Operating Rate across Secondary Lead Smelters Up 2.85% on week

SHANGHAI, Nov 19 (SMM) – The operating rates across licensed smelters of secondary lead in Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and Guizhou averaged 52.13% in the week ended November 19, up 2.85 percentage points from the previous week, an SMM survey showed.

This week, Dahua Co. and Chaowei Co. increased their output palpably as they got off the influences from the power outrage in Anhui; Anhui Tianchang passed the environmental impact assessment, and resumed normal production. Meanwhile, Shanxi Yichen and Jiangxi Zhenning also contributed some of the increases after maintenance. On the other hand, the operating rates of Anhui Xinda, Jiangxi Rifeng, Jiangxi Jinyang, Guizhou Huoqilin and Inner Mongolia Jinfan lowered due to market volatility or equipment failure. Also, the output of Hebei Shichang reduced amid environmental protection-related government control. In general, the increases in operating rates were larger than decreases, hence the overall operating rates maintained growth.

Going forward, the production of Guizhou Huoqilin, Jiangxi Jinyang and Jiangxi Fengri is expected to return to normal next week. But considering that a few smelters in Anhui will suspend production amid environmental protection requirements, the combined operating rates will increase slightly.