How Bismuth Is Mined and Processed
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Bismuth is a low-melting-point metal produced mostly as a byproduct of processing lead ores, and in some countries of tungsten and zinc ores. In 2025 China produced an estimated 14,000 t, 86% of world refinery production (USGS world total: 16,000 t), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
86%
of world refinery production came from China in 2025
Which countries produce bismuth?
| Country | 2024 | 2025 (estimate) | Share of 2025 world |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 14,000 | 14,000 | 86% |
| Korea, Republic of | 1,000 | 1,000 | 6.1% |
| Japan | 500 | 500 | 3.1% |
| Laos | 492 | 500 | 3.1% |
| Kazakhstan | 180 | 180 | 1.1% |
| Bolivia | 50 | 50 | 0.3% |
| Bulgaria | 48 | 50 | 0.3% |
| United States | None | None | - |
| World total (USGS, rounded) | 16,300 | 16,000 | 100% |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Bismuth. Shares are calculated from the country figures and can differ by a point or two from percentages USGS states in its text, because USGS rounds its figures. NA means not available; Withheld means USGS withheld the figure to avoid disclosing company data.
How is bismuth mined and processed?
- Bismuth minerals rarely occur in sufficient quantities to be mined as principal products. Bismuth is produced most often as a byproduct during the processing of lead ores.
- In China and Vietnam bismuth is also produced as a byproduct or coproduct of tungsten and other metal ore processing, and in Japan and the Republic of Korea of zinc ore processing.
- The Tasna Mine in Bolivia, inactive since 1996, and a mine in China are the only mines where bismuth has been the primary product.
- The United States ceased production of primary refined bismuth in 1997. All US lead concentrates have been exported for smelting since the last primary lead smelter closed at yearend 2013.
Resources. Bismuth reserves and resources are generally not reported at mine or country level. Only the Tasna Mine in Bolivia, inactive since 1996, and a mine in China have had bismuth as the primary product.
Frequently asked questions
Which country produces the most bismuth?
China produces the most bismuth: an estimated 14,000 t, or 86% of the world total, in 2025, according to the USGS refinery production figures.
What is bismuth used for?
Bismuth is used in chemicals and pharmaceuticals, nontoxic replacement for lead and fusible alloys. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: most US consumption; bismuth subsalicylate is the active ingredient in over-the-counter stomach remedies.
Is bismuth a critical mineral?
Yes. Bismuth is on all four official critical minerals lists: the US, EU, Australian and Canadian. Bismuth was already on the 2022 US list and stays on the final 2025 list of 60 minerals. US net import reliance for bismuth in 2025 was 92%.
Can bismuth be recycled?
Recycled bismuth-containing alloy scrap was estimated to make up as much as 10% of US apparent consumption in each year from 2021 to 2025.
Sources
Read on October 13, 2026. Figures on this page come from these documents; where a number is an estimate, the source says so.
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Bismuth. Production, reserves, uses, substitutes, recycling and events
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: introduction (Table 7 and Figures 10A and 10B). Net import reliance, leading producer and price changes for critical minerals
- Federal Register: Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals
- EUR-Lex: Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources: Australia’s Critical Minerals List and Strategic Materials List
- Government of Canada: Canada’s critical minerals
- 5N Plus: company website
- Korea Zinc: product information
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The companies page for bismuth.
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The supply chain page for bismuth.
China profile
Production, policy and projects in China.
Critical Minerals Lists Compared
The US, EU, Australian and Canadian lists side by side.
Export Controls and Restrictions
China, Indonesia, DR Congo and other measures with dates.
