Primary lead smelters operating rates rose slightly on stable production

SHANGHAI, Mar 19 (SMM) — Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces rose slightly from the previous week to 60.2% in the week ended March 19, showed an SMM survey.

Henan Minshan stepped up production slightly, while Wanyang’s crude lead lines were still under maintenance.

The average operating rate in Hunan fell slightly. Chenzhou Xiongfeng has planned to resume operations, with scheduled output for April at about 2,500 mt. Jinwang Bismuth cancelled its plan of restarting refined lead lines, and will focus on minor metals production in the near term.

The average operating rate was stable in Yunnan. Gejiu Chuangyuan remained suspended this week, and may restart production next week.