Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- A hydrometallurgical copper smeltery has been built at the Sangnong Mine of the DPRK.

The completion of the smeltery with a modern production line has opened up a prospect of revitalizing the production of various rare metals and sulfuric acid.

An inauguration ceremony of the smeltery took place on the spot on Dec. 18.

Present there were Yang Sung Ho, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Ri Jong Nam, chief secretary of the South Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Yong Sik, chairman of the provincial people's committee, employees of the Sangnong Mine, officials of the units which contributed to the construction, and teachers and researchers of Kim Chaek University of Technology.

Yang Sung Ho addressed the ceremony. -0-