Yunnan Tin announces annual maintenance at Gejiu smelter
The world’s largest producer of refined tin, Yunnan Tin Company (YTC), has announced maintenance at its Gejiu smelter commenced on 25 August 2024 for up to 45 days.
Annual maintenance is usually performed in July and August, and is factored into the company’s operational plans and budget for the year, and will have no significant impact on the company’s annual production plan. Refined tin production in China is expected to fall substantially as a result, with YTC producing approximately 5,000-6,000 t tin per month.
The suspension of operations comes during a period of increasing concerns about tightness in feedstock supply to China, with output from Myanmar remaining weak and set to decline further, so a major reduction in smelting and refining will likely help alleviate this pressure. Elevated SHFE stocks—which stood at 10,509 tonnes on Friday 23 August when maintenance was announced—will provide ample cushioning for the reduction in China’s domestic production in September and the start of October.
