Global refined lead metal demand exceeds supply in first quarter

World refined lead metal demand exceeded supply by 46kt in the first four months of 2023, according to latest data published on June 21 by the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG).

The Lisbon-based group said provisional data it had received indicated stock levels fell by 8kt over the same period.

However, global lead mine production increased

Battery Council International announced on June 28 it had launched an updated and improved website for Source BCI, its data base for vehicle battery fitment. It contains figures for more than 160,000 vehicles spanning more than 85 years.

“The improved Source BCI website is easier and faster to use, with a new mobile-ready interface, and provides more detailed information for the professional battery service technician and consumers alike,” said a BCI statement.

“As the digital counterpart to the traditional Battery Replacement Data Book, Source BCI revolutionizes the way industry professionals access essential battery information,” said Roger Miksad, BCI president and executive director.

“With Source BCI, industry professionals can retrieve the information they need at their fingertips, eliminating the hassle of flipping through pages. It’s a quick and powerful tool for those across the battery industry.” by 2.3%, which the group said was primarily a consequence of increases in Kazakhstan, South Africa and Turkey, which were partially balanced by a reduction in the US.

Global lead metal production rose 2.2%, mainly as a result of higher output in China, India and South Korea. But output in Bulgaria and Italy fell sharply.

The usage of refined lead metal increased by a mod - est 0.3% over the period as rises in China, India, Mexico and the UK were largely offset by decreases in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Turkey.

Meanwhile, Chinese imports of lead contained in lead concentrates rose by 44% to 217kt. Net exports of refined lead metal totalled 50kt, an increase of nearly 18% compared to the same period of 2022.

BCI says it provides: enhanced functionality with an integrated payment processor on the website allows for instant access upon purchase, eliminating wait times and the need for access codes. It has added a battery location field within the vehicle, providing users with comprehensive information for an expedited battery replacement process.

An annual subscription costs $14.99 and registering for Source BCI can be made at www. sourcebci.com