Jan. 17, 2007 (China Knowledge) – Zhuye Torch Metals Co. said Tuesday that it will increase annual capacity by 100,000 tons after the upgrading of a production line targeted to complete in June 2008.

Built at a cost of RMB 1.72 billion, the upgraded production line is using technology provided by Outokumpu Oyj of Finland.  Once completed, the production line will not only help the Hunan-based company to produce up to 400,000 tons of zinc a year, but also scrap 30,000 tons of zinc annually.

Global zinc prices almost doubled in 2007 as demand outpaced supply from mines. China, the world's biggest zinc consumer, is likely to increase consumption by 7.3% in 2007, outpacing production growth of 3.6%, according to forecast from Beijing Antaike Information Development Co.