Chinese Company Looks to Double Lead Recycling Capacity

Hubei Jinyang Metallurgical Incorporated Co Ltd. in China said it was doubling its lead recycling capacity in the next two years to cash in on the country's strong battery demand triggered by the automotive boom.

Li Fuyuan, general manager of China's number three lead recycling company, said its annual production capacity of lead and lead alloy could reach 120,000 metric tons, helped by Beijing's policy to expand the country's recycling industry. Li was talking to Reuters on the sidelines of an international metals conference here organized by London-based Metal Events Ltd.

Li said Hubei Jinyang's 2003 output fell short of its capacity at 48,000 tonnes due to a shortage in raw materials.

Asked about 2004 output, the official said: "It depends on the availability of the raw materials."