Reuters reported that Japan's Mitsui Mining and Smelting Company plans to produce about 7% more zinc in October to March than a year earlier helped by a recovery in demand.

Japanese smelters began to cut production of copper and other base metals at the beginning of this year as the worst economic downturn in decades forced manufacturers to slash output.

Mitsui has a 34% interest in Pan Pacific Copper Company Limited which is due to soon release its latest output target next week.

Nippon Mining & Metals Company Limited holds the remaining stake in the smelter.

(Sourced from Reuters)