LIUZHOU FORCED TO END INDIUM PRODUCTION

摘要

Indium production at China's Liuzhou Zinc Product Co is likely to grind to a halt later this month on the back of an acute raw material shortage and high concentrate prices. The company has faced serious difficulties sourcing feedstock since the Nandan mining crackdown began, and maintains that any stoppage in indium production will be temporary. However, industry sources have hinted that Liuzhou's Triangle brand may disappear permanently. Liuzhou Zinc has an indium production capacity of 20 tpy. Output failed to hit target last year as a result of the prolonged closure of mines in the Guangxi autonomous region, a Liuzhou Zinc source told MB. He added that the company has decided to close its indium production facility as a result of high concentrate prices. "We are not only unable to secure sufficient feed," he said, "but the high concentrate prices also mean that it has become increasingly unprofitable for us to continue operations any longer."