Reuters reported that zinc miners are pushing smelters for a significant drop in fees they charge to convert concentrate into refined metal in 2012 due to prospects of tighter supply and lower spot premiums in China.
Industry sources said that but whether smelters will agree to cut prices is unclear given surprisingly strong mine output performance in China and a growing surplus of refined zinc metal. These factors could keep both sides far apart when negotiations heat up at this year's International Zinc Association conference.
