China’s refined tin production is expected to increase in the coming months as a number of smelters restart production following maintenance, environmental inspections and raw material constraints, the ITRI reports.

“Yunnan Tin Co (YTC), China’s largest tin producer, restarted production on 9 October following a period of smelter maintenance which began on 31 August 31. Meanwhile, Dajingzi Tin Industry Co has been in a production halt since August because of a regular inspection of equipment as well as environmental inspections carried out by the government. The company expects to restart from November. In addition, tin mines owned by the China-Tin Group are also undergoing scheduled maintenance and the flow of raw material to the company’s smelter has been affected as a result.

“During YTC’s maintenance period we estimate 5,000 t of refined tin output was affected whereas for the current production halt at Dajingzi Tin it is estimated that 1,200 t of tin production will be impacted. Refined tin output in the next two months should be higher than the 12,000 t estimated in September as these smelters restart activities. This will help boost domestic supply through to the end of 2017.”