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Demographics:
Metal Casting - Lead
The U.S. is
the world's third largest producer of primary lead, with most originating from
Alaska and Missouri. Other appreciable lead mine production is located in Idaho
and Montana. Overall, 19 mines in the U.S. produce lead ores. Primary lead is
processed at two smelters in Missouri and one in Montana.
Secondary lead processing, mainly from scrap lead-acid batteries, account for
about 75% of the refined lead produced in the U.S. and although 26 secondary smelter
sites are in operation, nearly all lead is produced by 7 companies that operate
15 smelters in 11 states. The states involved are Alabama, California, Florida,
Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
and Texas.
Currently,
significantly more lead is recycled rather than mined. About 60% is recycled in
the U.S. The USGS publishes an annual review of statistics. The most recent data
is below.
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