China to cap nonferrous metals production

China will limit its combined output of 10 nonferrous metals, which includes metals like copper, lead and aluminum, to 41 million tons per year by 2015, said Shang Fushan, deputy head of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA).

Other metals that will be limited under the regulations are zinc, nickel, tin, antimony, magnesium, sponge titanium and mercury.

Analysts pointed out that the plan provides limited room for the expansion of China's nonferrous metal sector's production capacity.

Today's China Securities Journal quoted a source close to policymakers who said that the development of the rare metal sector will form a separate part in China's 12th Five-Year Plan.

The source disclosed that the plan for the rare metal sector will include production of tungsten, molybdenum, tin, antimony and rare earth metals.

According to the estimation of the industry association, China's apparent consumption of copper, aluminum, lead and zinc will be 8.3 million tons, 24 million tons, 5 million tons and 6.5 million tons, respectively.

The nonferrous metal industry should make best use of mining resources both home and abroad, control expansion of production capacity and eliminate outdated production, according to the industrial 12th five-year plan formulated by the CNMIA.

By Qi Shuwen, People's Daily Online