Beyond batteries: Other trends in the demand for lead

Abstract

Lead has been used for more than 8,000 years and has had important industrial applications for at least 2,000 years. At various times, different uses have dominated demand for the metal. Lead pipes, roofing, type metal, paints, cable sheathing, and batteries have all held significant shares of the market at some point in history and the pattern of demand is constantly changing. Today the dominant use of lead is for batteries, which account for almost 80% of demand. However, the remaining 20% includes some important applications. This paper analyzes trends in demand for these uses in order to provide some insight into what the future may hold.