The second-half metal production plans of 8 leading non-ferrous smelters have been released. Electrolytic copper is expected to decline 1.3% year on year to 415,025 tonnes, while zinc is expected to increase 30% to 231,243 tonnes. The impact of scheduled maintenance at the Naoshima Smelter is expected to affect the overall trend, while lead production is also expected to increase.
The second-half metal production plans of 8 leading non-ferrous smelters for fiscal 2026, covering October through March of the following year, have been released. Total electrolytic copper production is expected to be 415,025 tonnes, down 1.3% from the same period of the previous year, representing the combined total of 5 companies excluding PPC.
Among the second-half electrolytic copper production plans, Mitsubishi Materials' production is expected to decline in part due to the impact of scheduled maintenance at the Naoshima Smelter, and the overall trend is being viewed cautiously.
Zinc is expected to total 231,243 tonnes at 2 companies, up 29.4% year on year. Lead is expected to total 96,915 tonnes at 4 companies, up 1.6% year on year.
The Naoshima Smelter plans to produce 80,496 tonnes, down 24% year on year, and is scheduled to carry out 75 days of maintenance starting in January 2027. The Onahama Smelter plans to produce 61,788 tonnes, down 9% year on year.