Lead

The battery metal of the traditional car, recycled more than any other metal.

Overview

Refined output runs near 13 million tonnes a year with recycled material supplying more than half, since lead acid batteries come back almost fully. Starters plus backup power for data centers and telecom anchor demand, and every combustion car still carries a lead acid battery, while EVs keep a 12 volt one for ancillary loads. China and the US recycle most; mines in China, Australia, the US, and Peru supply concentrate. The LME prices it, toxicity regulation shapes its whole supply chain, and the market runs steady through the battery replacement cycle rather than boom bust, a quiet metal with a demand floor.