Interfax reported that China is expected to see a rise in the annual production capacity of alumina, primary aluminum and refined copper, refined lead and refined zinc in 2009 by 3 million tonnes, 2 million tonnes, 50,000 tonnes, 200,000 tonnes and 300,000 tonnes respectively.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that recent rebounding nonferrous metals prices are attracting more investment into the sectors, which is leading to an increase in China's nonferrous metals production capacity surplus.

In July, the total output of China's 10 major nonferrous metals rose by 2% YoY to 2.22 million tonnes although over the first 7 months of the year the total dropped by 4.3% on an annual basis to 13.92 million tonnes.

The MIIT said the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association has advised the government not to approve new primary aluminum and alumina producing facilities to be built in the near future and to close more outdated refined lead and zinc smelting facilities.

(Sourced from Interfax China)