Primary lead smelters operating rates rose as Henan Yuguang resumed production

SHANGHAI, Jul 31 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 54.1% in the week ended July 31, up 1.5 percentage point from the previous week, showed an SMM survey.

The average rate in Henan rose 3 percentage points week on week to 67.5%, as Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead resumed production to 1,200 mt/day. Henan Jinli, meanwhile, lowered its daily output to 500-600 mt due to equipment failure. 

The respective rates in Yunnan and Hunan were largely unchanged from a week ago, at 37.3% and 42.3%.

Smelters in other areas maintained normal operations. Hunan Shuikoushan is expected to restart production next week after maintenance.