Every day the world relies on the unique properties of lead for essential products and applications, from billions of lead batteries to safety systems in aircraft and radiotherapy equipment in hospitals. Without lead, many of the things we take for granted in modern life would come to a halt. So lead matters. And our members – who produce lead through recycling and mining – are setting the standard for responsible lead production while supporting the transition to a low carbon future.
Why lead matters
More than 1 billion vehicles worldwide rely on lead batteries
70% of all rechargeable battery energy storage capacity worldwide is provided by lead batteries
In Europe and the U.S. 99% of lead batteries are collected at end of life and recycled creating a closed loop circular economy
Lead’s unique radiation shielding properties protect workers in hospitals, dental surgeries, laboratories and nuclear installations
Lead is a ‘carrier’ metal so it helps recycle other critical raw materials such as indium and gallium – used in mobile phones
Lead-based products are essential to trillion-dollar industries that power the global economy: from automotive to data storage, and from telecoms to renewable energy production
As part of our commitment to responsible leadership, we are working with partners globally to help tackle informal and substandard lead battery recycling in low and middle-income countries.
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About theInternational Lead Association
About ILA
ILA is the only association representing lead producers globally, working to create a sustainable future for lead.
Our members produce lead from mining, smelting, refining and recycling.
The ILA team comprises dedicated full time experts and advisors who work closely with members and other organisations to promote the safe and secure management of lead.
We work closely with companies, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders to promote and support the safe and responsible use of lead in a wide range of important products, from batteries to radiation shielding. Because in seeking to achieve a low carbon world, lead matters.
ILA supports the Consortium for Battery Innovation, a pre-competitive innovation group pioneering new research and development ushering in the next generation of advanced lead batteries.
With offices in Europe and North America, we liaise with partner groups and associations involved in battery manufacturing and other industries where the use of lead is critical.
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