Doe Run to close plant

Doe Run Co. intends to shut down its lead smelter in Herculaneum, Mo., for two weeks in late April/early May to replace ventilation ducts on its furnaces.

The new ductwork is expected to reduce emissions and maintenance.

“The repairs are necessary to avoid a catastrophic failure,” says Richard Amistadi, Doe Run’s vice-president of sales and marketing.

The company anticipates losing 6,000 tons of production during this period and may be forced to ration lead to customers.

Privately held Doe Run is the world’s second-largest lead producer, with operations in several American states and Peru. It employs roughly 4,000 people.

Herculaneum is 40 km southwest of St. Louis, Mo., in Jefferson Cty.