Non-ferrous metal output in China, the world's top metal producer since 2002, grew by almost one-fourth in the first half of this year as a result of strong demand and prices.

January to June combined production of 10 main metals, such as aluminum, copper, lead and zinc, hit 10.97 million tons, up 24.1 percent from a year ago, according to data from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner.

Meanwhile, 5.65 million tons of aluminum were produced, an increase of 34.9 percent. Copper production climbed by 12.9 percent to 1.56 million tons.