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Using lead responsibly is critical to achieving a sustainable and low carbon future

2 billion

Lead is a widely available natural resource with more than 2 billion tonnes of lead ores still in the ground

Lead use is essential for many important products which support a sustainable future from hybrid and electric vehicles to renewable energy storage

60%

Lead is the world’s most recycled metal with more than 60% of production originating from end-of-life products

The carrier properties of lead metal make it an efficient enabler of the circular economy. It is used to help recover and recycle other valuable metals such as gallium used in mobile phones and solar panels, to precious metals including silver and gold

95%

Collection and recycling rates typically exceed 95% of lead batteries in many regions

Lead use is essential for many important products which support a sustainable future from hybrid and electric vehicles to renewable energy storage

60%

Lead is the world’s most recycled metal with more than 60% of production originating from end-of-life products

The carrier properties of lead metal make it an efficient enabler of the circular economy. It is used to help recover and recycle other valuable metals such as gallium used in mobile phones and solar panels, to precious metals including silver and gold

95%

Collection and recycling rates typically exceed 95% of lead batteries in many regions

Material stewardship

Our industry is continuously improving, helping ensure that lead is manufactured and used responsibly, minimising any impact on the environment and health.

Material Stewardship
Boliden Area, Kristineberg. Mine automation underground Photo: Boliden/Tomas Westermark

Recycling

Lead can be infinitely recycled with no loss of performance. No other metal has such an impressive end-of-life recycling rate.

Lifecycle assessment

Life cycle assessments show that with high recycling rates – including the impressive recycled content of many lead-containing products – the cradle-to-grave environmental footprint of lead is significantly reduced.

Lead bars. Photo: Boliden/Stefan Berg

Resource availability

Global mineral resources and the circularity of closed-loop recycling mean that lead will be available for centuries to come.

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International Lead Association, Bravington House, 2 Bravingtons Walk, London N1 9AF

Tel:T: +44 (0)20 7833 8090 Fax:F: +44 (0)20 7833 1611 Email:E: enq@ila-lead.org

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