In 2006, China Produced 34% of the World's Refined Lead Output

The nonferrous metal market of China has been open since the year
1993, and domestic lead-zinc market is largely influenced by
international market due to their connection. In 2003, China became
the world's largest lead producer, leaving America behind. In 2006,
the world's refined lead output amounted to 8.05 million tons, of
which 34% came from China.

Along with the resuscitation of nonferrous metal industry in recent
years, China has increased the investment in lead smelting and mine
exploitation, of which the production capacity of lead smelting grew
more rapidly.

At present, China is the world's largest lead producer and consumer.
Along with the rapid growth of China's economy, the usage of basic raw
materials has been increased year by year, which also boosted the
growth of global consumption.

In 2007, the global economy is supposed to maintain the vigorous
growth for the fifth year. Although America's economy growth will slow
down somewhat, the GDP may rise at 2%-3%. However, Europe, Japan and
most newly-rising markets will maintain the vigorous momentum.

Due to the scattered production capacity of domestic lead-zinc mines,
it's difficult to get the output statistics of small-size mines.
Therefore, it's estimated that China's actual output of refined lead
ore output will be much higher than 740 thousand tons. Meanwhile, the
secondary lead and lead ore concentrate will fetch up the supply gap
of domestic lead ore concentrate. Supposedly, China's self-supplying
ratio of lead ore concentrate will be less than 50%; along with the
gradual increase of China's lead smelting production capacity, its
demand for imported lead ore concentrate will also grow continuously.