The Doe Run Co. says production of primary lead at its smelter in the eastern Missouri town of Herculaneum will be suspended for four to six weeks following a fire.
The fire on March 20 occurred at the smelter's electric substation. Doe Run Primary Smelting Division general manager Gary Hughes says damage to the substation is significant.
The company says it has contacted customers to advise them of the halt in production.
St. Louis-based Doe Run is the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere, with operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona.