Zinc TCs fall on winter stocking; uncertainty arises from power curbs

Spot zinc concentrate processing charges fell in the second half of September, with Chinese smelters stocking up for winter production and power curbs expected to limit smelting operations until early October.

Fastmarkets assessed the zinc spot concentrate treatment charge, cif China at $75-88 per tonne on Friday September 24, narrowing downward by $4 from $75-92 per tonne two weeks prior.
Prime brands such as Antamina were reported at mid-to-high-$70s per tonne, while some Gamsberg tonnages were tendered at around $80-85 per tonne, with $90s being less achievable, market sources said.
Domestic zinc concentrate TCs for both northern and southern China also dropped slightly to 4,000-4,500 yuan ($618-696) per tonne and 3,900-4,200 yuan per tonne.

It is a seasonal procurement pattern for zinc smelters to buy on spot ahead of Chinese mines closing for the winter, but this year could be different. Last week, many major zinc and lead smelters across China received orders from provincial governments to lower their power...

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