October 25, 2024: Canadian miner Silvercorp Metals has renewed the mining permit for its lead, silver and zinc mine in China’s Henan province for another 11 years until 2035.

Around 64,000 tonnes of lead was produced at the Yuelianggou site between 2022 and June 2024 and overall mine production capacity is now set to increase to 500,000 tonnes per year.

Silvercorp said on October 8 that the renewal followed completion of a series of studies and reports, including a mineral resource estimate to Chinese standards, a mine development plan and an updated environmental impact study update.

The announcement came as the Lisbon-based International Lead and Zinc Study Group said China continues to be a driving force in lead demand and the country’s needs are set to increase by nearly 1% this year and by 0.5% in 2025.

Separately, Batteries International reported last month that Aurelia’s Federation Mine, formally opened in Australia on September 11, is projected to produce up to 600,000 tonnes of ore annually, focusing on lead, high-grade zinc, gold and copper.

Sale of metal from the New South Wales mine’s ores are forecast to earn NSW royalties of around A$74 million ($50 million) over the initial eight-year life of the facility.