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Characteristics of Lead
Lead is a very corrosion-resistant, dense, ductile, and malleable
blue-gray metal that has been used for at least 5,000 years.
Early uses of lead included building materials, pigments for
glazing ceramics, and pipes for transporting water. Today's
major use of lead is in lead-acid storage batteries. The electrical
systems of vehicles, ships, and aircraft depend on such batteries
for startup, and, in some cases, batteries provide the actual
motive power. It is also for soundproofing in office buildings,
schools, and hotels. It is widely used in hospitals to block
X-ray and gamma radiation and is employed to shield against
nuclear radiation both in permanent installations and when nuclear
material is being transported. . |
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Supply
& Demand Scenario
Domestic Scenario
- Lead production equalled approximately
82,000 tonnes in 2004, mostly from secondary sources.
- The main constraint in lead production
in the country is the lack of lead ore reserves, which necessitates
large-scale imports and recycling.
- Lead demand in India was estimated at
150,000 tonnes for 2004. Due to huge gap in demand-supply,
India imported nearly about 50% of its domestic demand.
- The major suppliers for the imports were
China, the Republic of Korea and Australia: 54%, 15% and
10% respectively.
- The domestic industry is characterized
by the presence of only a few players in the primary segment.
The primary lead industry in India is divided between the
following main players: Binani Industries Limited and Sterlite
Industries (India) Ltd. (Hndustan Zinc Ltd.). Due to increasing
use of lead in domestic market both players are expanding
their smelting capacities for lead.
World Scenario
- USA, Japan, China, EU and India are the
major consumers of Lead
- Supply is controlled by Australia and
China.
- Lead in the global market is traded as
soft lead, animated lead, lead alloys and copper-base scrap.
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Factor influencing
demand and supply
- Changes in inventory level at LME wharehouses
- Economic growth rate of major consuming
countries
- Global growth and demand in major consuming
industries
- Prices of the alternative metal(s)
- Participation of funds
Global Exchange(s)
- London Metal Exchange
IST of Global Exchanges (Price Clues from Other Major Global
Exchanges)
LME: 5.30 PM to 10.30 PM |
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