Lead
Introduction
Lead (chemical symbol - Pb) is very corrosion-resistant, ductile, and malleable blue-grey metal that has been in use for at least 5,000 years.
It is usually found in association with zinc, silver, as well as copper ores.
It is one of the most sustainable and recyclable commodities. It can be recycled indefinitely, without loss of its physical or chemical properties. Recycled lead accounts for more than 60% of the total lead production.
The lead production process consumes less energy as compared to the production of any other metal.
Demand and Supply
In 2012, the global lead mine production increased by 11.5%, over that of 2011.
Global refined lead production increased by 0.22% from 10.594 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2011 to 10.617 MMT in 2012.
The world’s refined lead consumption rose to 10.553 MMT in 2012, up from 10.418 MMT in 2011.
India and the Republic of Korea saw an increase in production of 8.9% and 8.2%, respectively, while India and Japan saw an increase in consumption of 15.6% and 12.2%, respectively.
Global Scenario
In 2012, the global lead mine production was higher in a number of countries including Mexico, Peru, the Russian Federation and Turkey, however, the increase was principally due to a reported 20.4% rise in China.
Increased output of refined lead metal in India, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States were largely balanced by reductions in Australia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, New Zealand and Spain.
In 2012, despite a further decline in Europe’s demand for refined lead metal by 2.4%, the global usage increased by 1.3%, over the previous year. This was primarily a consequence of higher demand in India, Japan, Mexico and the United States. Apparent demand in China was unchanged from 2011.
China’s import lead concentrates rose by 26.3% in 2012 over the previous year, to reach a record of just over 1 MMT.
In 2011, the leading refined lead exporting countries were Australia, Canada and Germany; whereas the leading refined lead importing countries were USA, UK and India.
Indian Scenario
In 2012, refined lead production was around 169,301 MT.
The main producers of lead are Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) and Indian Lead Limited (ILL).
Factors Influencing the Market
Lead prices in India are fixed on the basis of the rates in the international spot market, and Indian Rupee and US Dollar exchange rates.
Economic events such as national industrial growth, global financial crisis, recession, and inflation affect the metal prices.
Commodity-specific events such as the construction of new production facilities or processes, new uses or the discontinuance of historical uses, unexpected mine or plant closures (natural disaster, supply disruption, accident, strike, and so forth), or industry restructuring, all affect metal prices.
Trade policies set by the Government (implementation or suspension of taxes, penalties, and quotas) affect supply as they regulate (restricting or encouraging) material flow.
Geopolitical events involving governments or economic paradigms and armed conflict can cause major changes.
As societies develop, their demand for metal increases based on their current economic position, which could also be referred as ‘National Economic Growth Factor’.
Introduction
Lead (chemical symbol - Pb) is very corrosion-resistant, ductile, and malleable blue-grey metal that has been in use for at least 5,000 years.
It is usually found in association with zinc, silver, as well as copper ores.
It is one of the most sustainable and recyclable commodities. It can be recycled indefinitely, without loss of its physical or chemical properties. Recycled lead accounts for more than 60% of the total lead production.
The lead production process consumes less energy as compared to the production of any other metal.
Demand and Supply
In 2012, the global lead mine production increased by 11.5%, over that of 2011.
Global refined lead production increased by 0.22% from 10.594 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2011 to 10.617 MMT in 2012.
The world’s refined lead consumption rose to 10.553 MMT in 2012, up from 10.418 MMT in 2011.
India and the Republic of Korea saw an increase in production of 8.9% and 8.2%, respectively, while India and Japan saw an increase in consumption of 15.6% and 12.2%, respectively.
Global Scenario
In 2012, the global lead mine production was higher in a number of countries including Mexico, Peru, the Russian Federation and Turkey, however, the increase was principally due to a reported 20.4% rise in China.
Increased output of refined lead metal in India, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States were largely balanced by reductions in Australia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, New Zealand and Spain.
In 2012, despite a further decline in Europe’s demand for refined lead metal by 2.4%, the global usage increased by 1.3%, over the previous year. This was primarily a consequence of higher demand in India, Japan, Mexico and the United States. Apparent demand in China was unchanged from 2011.
China’s import lead concentrates rose by 26.3% in 2012 over the previous year, to reach a record of just over 1 MMT.
In 2011, the leading refined lead exporting countries were Australia, Canada and Germany; whereas the leading refined lead importing countries were USA, UK and India.
Indian Scenario
In 2012, refined lead production was around 169,301 MT.
The main producers of lead are Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) and Indian Lead Limited (ILL).
Factors Influencing the Market
Lead prices in India are fixed on the basis of the rates in the international spot market, and Indian Rupee and US Dollar exchange rates.
Economic events such as national industrial growth, global financial crisis, recession, and inflation affect the metal prices.
Commodity-specific events such as the construction of new production facilities or processes, new uses or the discontinuance of historical uses, unexpected mine or plant closures (natural disaster, supply disruption, accident, strike, and so forth), or industry restructuring, all affect metal prices.
Trade policies set by the Government (implementation or suspension of taxes, penalties, and quotas) affect supply as they regulate (restricting or encouraging) material flow.
Geopolitical events involving governments or economic paradigms and armed conflict can cause major changes.
As societies develop, their demand for metal increases based on their current economic position, which could also be referred as ‘National Economic Growth Factor’.
