Lead metal refined production volume worldwide 2011-2022

Global refined lead production amounted to 11.9 million metric tons in 2022. That was a decrease of approximately 300,000 metric tons of refined lead production compared to the previous year. 

Lead metal production

As of 2023, China was by far the main lead producer in the world. Chinese lead mining in that year reached 1.9 million metric tons, while the country's refined lead production amounted to over five million metric tons in 2022. The major lead producing countries are reflected in the top lead mining companies worldwide, with Australia’s BHP and American the Doe Run Company being counted among the largest companies. Lead is a base metal typically used in the production of car batteries, which account for about 80 percent of worldwide lead consumption, and over two-thirds of the metal end up in car batteries.

Lead metal consumption

The global health crisis lead to a reduction in the global demand for lead. Global lead consumption amounted to over 13 million metric tons in 2023, a slight increase in comparison to the previous two years. Alongside the steady lead consumption volume in the past few years, lead prices in the North American market have also been consistent over the past three years, at an average of 115 U.S. cents per pound. The growing production of electric cars and bicycles is likely to boost demand for lead over the next couple of years, with China being projected to account for most of the growth. While lithium-ion batteries are expected to replace lead-acid batteries eventually, Chinese demand for lead-based batteries remains strong.