Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Lead

Lead (Pb) is a low-criticality base metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Lead is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Lead span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Lead-acid batteries — Lead plays a vital role in lead-acid batteries, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Radiation shielding — Lead plays a vital role in radiation shielding, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Ammunition — Lead plays a vital role in ammunition, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Cable sheathing — Lead plays a vital role in cable sheathing, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Weight and ballast applications — Lead plays a vital role in weight and ballast applications, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Lead is lead-acid batteries, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is radiation shielding, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Lead in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of low and a supply risk rating of low, the demand trajectory for Lead is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.