China to regulate nonferrous metal production in next 5 years

The industrial plan for China's nonferrous metal sector during the 12th Five-Year Plan period has been submitted, said China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association deputy head Shang Fushan on Dec. 4, according to a report by Shanghai Securities News on Dec. 6. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the combined output of 10 nonferrous metals, which include copper, aluminum, lead and zinc will be limited to 41 million tons.

The development of rare metals will receive particular attention. Besides limiting the combined output, the sector will also vigorously enhance the additional value of products and develop the downstream processing industry.

According to the overall guideline for the nonferrous metal industrial development in the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the sector will focus on meeting domestic market demand. Meanwhile, it will make best use of resources both home and abroad, vigorously develop a circular economy, control blind expansion of smelting capacity, eliminate outdated production and increase independent innovation, so as to promote industrial restructuring and upgrading.

According to the estimation of the industry association, the apparent consumption of 10 nonferrous metals is very likely to exceed 43.8 million tons by 2015. The association suggested that the combined output of the 10 nonferrous metals should be limited to 41 million tons by 2015, and emphasis should also be given to the control of extra smelting capacity development.

Shang also specially mentioned the development plan of the metals that are connected with the new material industry in the 12th Five-Year Plan and said that high-performance alloys, including copper, aluminum, magnesium, molybdenum, tantalum and columbium, as well as the high-performance rare-earth materials, precious metals, polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, battery materials and superconducting materials will be development priorities in the next five years.

While being interviewed during a recess meeting, Shang told reporters that metals, including tungsten, molybdenum, antimony and other rare earths are China's superior resources, and while China controls the output of these materials, it should also greatly raise the added value of the products and greatly strengthen support to downstream manufacturing enterprises.