Lead’s primary usage is in the production of lead-acid batteries
Although uses for lead have decreased over the years, it still plays an important part of everyday life particularly as the starter mechanism for automobiles. The lead-acid battery, which performs this function, dominates the usage of lead, consuming over 80% of world production. The remaining 20% of production is divided into numerous end-uses including: underwater cable sheathing, ammunition, glassware, solder and roof sheeting.
Over recent years the demand for lead has increased. This is mainly a result of an increase in Asia’s automobile population and the growing popularity of the e-bike, particularly in China. In fact, the e-bike now consumes over 8% of world lead production. With the industrial growth of other Asian countries, the battery has a continuing and expanding role to play.
Nyrstar is heavily involved in research and development for lead-acid batteries. Through research at the CSIRO (Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific Industry and Research Organisation) and our own laboratories, Nyrstar produces a high-purity bismuth-enhanced product which performs better than the standard lead product (Standard 99.99 and 99.97) and is more suitable to all types of battery-production. This material, called VRLA refined lead has now been in the market for over ten years and is used by battery companies world-wide.