Global demand for refined lead metal continues to show impressive growth according to industry forecasts.
Figures from the International Lead Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) confirm that the outlook remains positive with an expected rise of 3.4% to 10.80 million tonnes in 2012 and a further 3.3% to 11.15 million tonnes in 2013.
Reflecting this rise it is anticipated that world lead mine production will increase by 10.9% to 5.21 million tonnes in 2012 and by 2.8% to 5.36 million tonnes in 2013.
Demand is highest in China where lead metal usage is expected to grow by 4.8% this year and 4.7% in 2013. In the USA demand will increase by 3.9% in 2012, but drop to 0.6% in 2013, while in Europe demand will pick up next year by 1.2%.
Global demand for lead has more than doubled since the early 1990s and almost 90% of use is now in lead-acid batteries - a vital component in the one billion petrol and diesel vehicles being used worldwide.
Lead batteries are allowing significant vehicle CO2 savings through “start-stop” technology and are at the forefront of developments in high performance hybrid electric vehicles. Lead batteries also power millions of exhaust-free vehicles from lift trucks to electric bikes.
Lead also has one of the highest recycling rate of any major commodity at greater than 90% in developed countries.
Lead batteries are also playing a significant role in helping to achieve energy policy objectives through the storage of renewable energy and the stabilisation of power grids. They provide emergency back-up power to most of the world’s IT and telecoms infrastructure, not to mention back-up power during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy.
ILA Managing Director, Dr Andy Bush, said: “The continuing growth in lead consumption illustrates that lead is a material we all increasingly rely on, every day, and one which is essential to meeting the economic and environmental challenges we face.
"With responsible management of the potential risks, the benefits of lead can also be realised in a sustainable manner.”
End
For further information contact: Bob Tolliday, ILA Communications Manager, Tolliday@ila-lead.org tel: +44 (0) 20 7833 8090
Notes to editors
About the ILA
The International Lead Association is a membership body that supports companies involved in the mining, smelting, refining and recycling of lead. The ILA represents the producers of about 3 million tonnes of lead and almost two thirds of lead production in the western world.
The ILA believes that lead is a material that has a justified place in a sustainable EU economy. Lead-acid batteries are its main use and this application is a cheap, proven and safe technology which is virtually 100% recyclable.
With offices in the UK and USA the ILA provides a range of technical, scientific and communications support and is focused on all aspects of the industry’s safe production, use and recycling of lead and helps funds bodies such as the International Lead Management Center and the International Lead Zinc Research Organization.
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