Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Arsenic

Arsenic (As) is a medium-criticality specialty metal with annual global production of approximately 35,000 tonnes. Arsenic is a metalloid most commonly recovered as a byproduct of copper and lead smelting. Its primary high-tech application is in gallium arsenide semiconductors used in solar cells, LEDs, and telecommunications. While toxic in many forms, arsenic compounds remain industrially important in electronics and specialty chemical applications.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Arsenic span multiple sectors. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Semiconductors (gallium arsenide) - Key alternatives include Gallium nitride (GaN), silicon, indium phosphide. GaN is replacing GaAs in some RF applications but GaAs remains superior for certain frequency ranges and solar cells
• Wood preservatives - Key alternatives include Copper azole, alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ). Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) has been largely replaced in residential use but remains in commercial/industrial applications
• Pesticides and herbicides - Arsenic is valued in pesticides and herbicides for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Lead-acid batteries - Key alternatives include Antimony, tin, calcium. Arsenic is used in small amounts in grid alloys; alternatives perform adequately

Product Forms and Specifications

Arsenic is commercially available in 3 primary product forms, each serving different industrial requirements:

Demand Outlook

Arsenic is included on the USGS Critical Minerals List, reflecting its importance to the U.S. economy and national security. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization is expected to place additional pressure on the Arsenic supply chain through the end of this decade.