Lead Ingot

Lead ingots are melted and molded into various lead-based products like batteries, pipes, and bullets.

Product Overview

Lead is a relatively soft and elastic metal. A lead ingot is a rectangular block of metal made of pure lead and has a silvery-white appearance.

In industry and manufacturing, lead has extremely important uses. Since lead is a relatively stable and corrosion-resistant metal, it is commonly used in the manufacture of anti-corrosion materials, batteries, printing inks, pencil leads, radiation protection equipment, and more.

In addition, lead ingot is also widely used in automobile manufacturing, building and building materials, piping and piping systems, lead glass manufacturing, aerospace field, nuclear energy industry and other industrial and manufacturing fields.

Therefore, lead plays an important role in modern industry and manufacturing, and has a non-negligible effect on the development and progress of human society.

Physical properties

Density

The density of lead ingot is about 11.34 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), which is a relatively dense metal.

This means that lead ingots weigh more than other materials for the same volume. The high density of lead makes it an important material for the manufacture of high-density items such as lead plates for radiation protection or boat weights for gravity stabilization.

Melting point

The melting point of metallic lead is 327.5 degrees Celsius (621.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

That is, at room temperature (about 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit), lead is a solid.

When the temperature rises to 327.5 degrees Celsius, the lead will start to melt and become liquid until it reaches the melting point and completely melts.

Thermal conductivity

The thermal conductivity of metallic lead is very low, about 35 watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m K), which means it is not a very good heat conductor.

It has lower thermal conductivity than many other metals, such as copper and aluminum. This is because the atomic structure and electron arrangement of lead make it subject to some limitations when transferring heat energy.

Conductivity

Metallic lead also has a relatively low electrical conductivity of about 4.8 × 10^6 Siemens per meter (S/m), which means it is a relatively poor conductor of electricity. Like thermal conductivity, this is due to lead's atomic structure and electronic arrangement.

Although lead is not very conductive, it still has some practical applications, such as being used in the negative terminal of batteries and in the protective layer of some cables.

Plasticity

Metallic lead has good plasticity, which means it can be easily worked into various shapes and sizes. When heated, lead becomes softer and more formable, and can be plastically worked by hammering, extruding, rolling, stretching, etc.

The plasticity of lead is mainly affected by its grain structure and grain boundaries. During plastic working, the grains of lead are elongated and changed in shape, which causes it to form new grain boundaries, which affects its mechanical properties and electrical conductivity.

The plasticity of lead makes it widely used in construction, automobile, electronics, chemical industry and other fields, such as for the manufacture of pipes, cables, radiation protection materials and so on.

Corrosion resistance

Metallic lead has good corrosion resistance due to the formation of a dense oxide or basic carbonate film on its surface that prevents the lead from reacting with chemicals in the surrounding environment.

This film protects lead from most chemicals, including water, oxygen, acids, bases, and many organic solvents. In addition, the corrosion resistance of lead is also affected by its crystal structure and purity. High-purity lead is more resistant to corrosion because it contains no alloys or impurities with other metals.

It is worth noting that lead still has certain reactivity to certain chemical substances, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and chlorine, and safety measures should be taken when using it.

Toxicity

Metallic lead is a toxic substance and long-term exposure to lead can lead to many health problems.

Lead can accumulate in the human body and damage organs and tissues such as the central nervous system, blood system, kidneys and bones. Children and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to lead, and long-term exposure to lead can lead to mental retardation, behavioral problems, anemia, kidney damage and other health problems.

As a result, countries around the world have taken steps to limit the use of lead, such as banning the use of lead in food and drinking water containers, and restricting the use of lead in automobiles, construction and electronics. When using and handling lead, safety measures should be taken, such as wearing protective gloves, masks, safety glasses, etc., to avoid inhaling or swallowing lead.

Specifications

Weight

How much does lead ingot weigh?

• 25kg/block. This is a common industry standard, the weight of lead ingot is 25kg.
• 50lb/block. In the United States, the weight of lead ingots is usually measured in pounds, and a 50-pound lead ingot is a common specification.
• 1kg/block. In some countries, such as Europe, the weight of lead ingots is usually in kilograms.
• Other specifications. In addition to the above specifications, the weight of lead ingots can be customized according to needs, such as 50kg, 100kg, 200kg, 12.5 lbs and other specifications of lead ingots are also common.

Purity

The purity of lead ingots is usually required to be higher than 99.9%, but specific requirements may vary depending on the application. For example, in some special industrial applications, higher purity, such as 99.99% or higher, may be required to ensure its performance and stability.

At the same time, purity can also be limited by the environment and regulations, for example lead ingots used in food and drinking water contact materials usually require higher purity.

Impurities

• Copper. In some applications, such as battery manufacturing, the copper content must be kept to very low levels, usually not exceeding 0.002%. High copper content may affect the electrochemical performance of lead, resulting in shortened battery life.
• Iron. Iron is another common impurity, usually found in lead ingots as iron oxide. The iron content is usually not more than 0.05%, but in some applications, such as shooting sports, the iron content must be kept at very low levels, usually not more than 0.001%.
• Tin. Tin is another common impurity in lead ingots, usually in the form of tin oxide. The tin content is usually not more than 0.1%, but in some applications, such as printing, the tin content must be kept at a very low level, usually not more than 0.005%.
• Other impurities:. In addition to the above ingredients, lead ingots may also contain other metal impurities, such as nickel, aluminum, manganese, etc.

How are lead ingots produced/made?

The manufacture of lead ingots is usually accomplished through a smelting process. The following is an overview of the manufacturing process of lead ingots:

Lead Ore Extraction: First, lead ore is extracted from underground mines or open pit mines. Lead ore usually occurs in the form of galena, a lead sulfide mineral.

Concentration: Once the lead ore has been extracted, it needs to be concentrated to remove impurities and increase the lead content. The ore is crushed and ground into a fine powder and then concentrated using techniques such as flotation or gravity separation to concentrate the lead minerals.

Smelting: The concentrated lead ore is then fed into a furnace where it is smelted by heating. During the smelting process, lead ore is heated to high temperatures, causing the lead minerals to separate from impurities. Impurities, called slag, float to the top and are removed, while the molten lead settles at the bottom of the furnace.

Refining: The molten lead obtained from smelting is further refined to remove any remaining impurities. The refining process may include deslagging, which removes impurities from the surface, or electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to separate impurities from the lead.

Casting: Once the lead is refined to the desired purity, it is poured into molds to solidify and form lead ingots. Lead ingots are usually rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and require complete cooling and solidification.

Packaging and Distribution: The cooled and solidified lead ingots are then packaged and prepared for distribution. They are often stacked or bundled together and may be labeled with relevant information such as the purity of the lead, manufacturer and date of production.

It is important to note that the exact process and technology for lead ingot production may vary depending on the type of lead mine, the purity of lead required, and the specific equipment and methods employed at the lead smelting facility.

Lead Ingot Price

Changes in the price of lead ingots are usually affected by various factors, such as the global economic situation, political situation, environmental protection policies, lead ore output, demand, etc.

Changes in the price of lead ingots are usually affected by various factors, such as the global economic situation, political situation, environmental protection policies, lead ore output, demand, etc. Therefore, it is of great significance for related industries and investors to understand the changing trend and market conditions of lead ingot prices.

The price of lead ingot is usually calculated per ton, and it will vary according to factors such as region, quality, and delivery time. Some institutions and websites will provide reports and data on global lead ingot prices to help people better understand the market.

Price

At the same time, the price of Lead Ingot has also changed greatly over time. The prices below are based on the most recent market data as of mid-July 2023.

Lead Ingot Price: $2,000~2,500/Ton.

In other words,

• a 1 kilogram lead ingot is worth approximately US$2.2,
• a 25 kilogram lead ingot is approximately US$55,
• and a 50 lb lead ingot is approximately US$50.

Prices by country

*Lead ingot prices in major countries around the world (data based on relevant market reports in September 2021)

Price trend

Will lead prices go up?

2021

The price of lead ingots continued to rise in the first half of 2021, mainly due to the stimulating effect of the global economic recovery and infrastructure construction policies introduced by some countries.

In the second half of the year, the price of lead ingots began to fluctuate, mainly due to the recovery of some lead mine production and the increase in supply, which offset the stimulating effect of demand growth.

2020

The price of lead ingot was affected by the new crown epidemic in early 2020, and the market demand declined. In addition, the industrial production stagnation and supply chain interruption caused by the global epidemic control measures led to a further decline in the price of lead ingot.

But in the second half of the year, with the gradual recovery of the global economy, the price of lead ingots began to gradually recover.

2019

Lead ingot prices have started to fall, mainly due to lower demand due to uncertainties such as slowing global economic growth and trade disputes.

In addition, the environmental protection policy in 2019 has also had an impact on the price of lead ingots. Many countries have begun to strengthen restrictions on environmental pollution, resulting in restrictions on the production of some lead mines.

Supply & Demand

Supply side

The recent increase in the supply of lead mines is mainly due to the recovery of the output of some lead mines and the commissioning of new lead mines.

For example, the output of lead-zinc mining enterprises in China has increased, and the output of lead mines in countries such as Peru is gradually recovering.

In addition, the governments of some countries have also begun to relax environmental protection policies, and the restrictions on lead mine production have also been eased, which also helps to increase the supply of lead mines.

Demand side

The demand for lead ingots mainly comes from the fields of battery manufacturing, building materials, shipbuilding, sanitary equipment and automobile manufacturing.

Since the end of the new crown epidemic, the global economy has gradually recovered, and some countries have also introduced stimulus measures such as infrastructure construction policies, which will help promote the increase in demand in related fields.

Lead Ingot Factory/Supplier

In this chapter, we will discuss the suppliers of lead ingots. You can find some reliable lead ingot suppliers here.

Global Lead Ingot Suppliers

Glencore International AG

Based in Switzerland, it is one of the largest lead ingot suppliers globally, owning multiple lead mines and smelters.

BHP Billiton

Based in Australia, it is one of the leading mining resource companies globally and also a significant lead ingot supplier.

Nyrstar

Based in Belgium, it is one of the largest lead and zinc producers globally, owning multiple lead mines and smelters.

Doe Run

Based in the United States, it is one of the major lead ingot suppliers in North America, owning multiple lead mines and smelters.

Teck Resources

Based in Canada, it is one of the largest diversified mining and energy companies globally and also a lead ingot supplier.

Hindustan Zinc

Based in India, it is India's largest zinc and lead producer and one of the lead ingot suppliers.

Korea Zinc

Based in South Korea, it is one of the major lead ingot suppliers in Asia, owning multiple lead mines and smelters.

Metallo-Chimique

Based in Belgium, it is one of the leading non-ferrous and waste metal processing companies globally and also a lead ingot supplier.

Jiangxi Copper

Based in China, it is one of China's largest copper producers and also a lead ingot supplier.

MMG Limited

Based in Australia, it is one of the leading diversified metal producers globally and also a lead ingot supplier.

Distribution of Global Lead Ingot Suppliers

Want to wholesale lead ingots?

List of suppliers in the picture above:

Australia: BHP Billiton (Melbourne)

Belgium: Nyrstar (Brussels), Metallo-Chimique (Antwerp),

Canada: Teck Resources (Vancouver), Trevali Mining (Vancouver), Hudbay Minerals (Toronto)

China: Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead (Henan), Hubei Yihua Group (Hubei), Chihong Zinc & Germanium (Yunnan), Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group (Anhui), Jiangxi Copper (Jiangxi), China Minmetals (Beijing), Zijin Mining Group (Fujian), Shanxi Nonferrous Metals Holding Group (Taiyuan), Huludao Zinc Industry (Liaoning), Nan Ya Plastics (Taipei), Yunnan Tin Group (Kunming)

India: Hindustan Zinc (Udaipur)

Mexico: Penoles (Mexico City), Met-Mex Peñoles (Mexico City)

Netherlands: Trafigura (Amsterdam)

Peru: Doe Run Peru (Lima)

South Korea: LS Nikko Copper (Seoul), Korea Zinc Company (Seoul)

Spain: Metallo Spain (Bilbao)

Switzerland: Rusal (Zurich), Glencore (Basel),

United Kingdom: Anglo American (London), Vedanta Resources (London)

United States: Doe Run Company (St. Louis)

Tips for working with Lead Ingot Supplier

Choose a reliable supplier.

Before placing an order, you can confirm by consulting the supplier's company website, company information, customer evaluation or third-party certification.

Fully communicate with suppliers.

Before placing an order, fully communicate with suppliers to clarify details such as product specifications, quantities, prices, delivery time, and payment methods. Make sure both parties understand and agree to the order details.

Product Quality Assurance.

Before receiving stainless steel products, the quality assurance measures of the goods should be confirmed. It can be confirmed by sampling inspection, visual inspection, physical test, etc. It is stipulated in advance how to solve the non-conformity situation if it exists.

Pay attention to storage and protection.

Make sure that after receiving Lead Ingot, there are proper storage and protection conditions to avoid various losses. For this, reasonable Lead Ingot packaging is very important.

Feedback and deal with problems in a timely manner.

Once a problem occurs, obtain evidence as soon as possible, and then contact the supplier for feedback and negotiate a solution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing Lead Ingot through suppliers:

Blind pursuit of low prices.

Focusing only on price and ignoring product quality and supplier reliability are prone to fraud.

Neglecting lead times.

Lead Ingot prices are highly volatile, and purchasing plans are vulnerable if lead times are not clearly specified with suppliers.

The purchased Lead Ingot does not match the purpose.

There are many varieties of Lead Ingot, and the grades corresponding to different uses are different, and the price also varies greatly. If you do not understand the characteristics and application scenarios of Lead Ingot materials, it is easy to buy products that do not suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have a wealth of specific information to answer frequently asked questions about lead ingots.

Are

Are lead ingots dangerous?

Lead ingots may pose a hazard to human health under certain circumstances. Lead is a heavy metal. Long-term exposure to lead may cause various health problems, such as nervous system damage, blood system damage, kidney damage, etc.

The hazard of lead ingot depends on its use environment and purpose. For example, if lead ingots are used to make batteries and other chemicals, appropriate measures such as wearing protective gloves and respirators need to be taken to avoid lead dust or vapor from entering the respiratory tract and skin. If lead ingots are used for radiation protection, safety measures such as wearing protective clothing and gloves are also required.

Can

Can lead turn into gold?

Yes, gold can be synthesized from other elements through the process of nuclear transformation, which involves changing the number of protons in an element's nucleus through a nuclear reaction. This process requires very high energy levels and is not economically and practically feasible to produce gold.

• Glenn Seaborg, winner of the 1951 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, reportedly succeeded in converting small amounts of lead into gold in 1980.
• An early report (1972) described a reaction that Soviet physicists accidentally discovered at a nuclear research facility near Lake Baikal in Siberia that turned the lead shielding of an experimental reactor into gold.

Conclusion

• Who turned lead into gold?
  • Glenn Seaborg
• How/Why lead into gold?
  • Lead has an atomic number of 82 and gold has an atomic number of 79. Physics can turn lead into gold by forcing the lead to release three protons with a huge input of energy. It is worth mentioning that the cost of this conversion significantly exceeds the value of any resulting gold.

Can lead melt?

Yes, lead can be melted. The melting point of lead is 327.5°C (621.5°F), which means that when lead is exposed to temperatures above that, it starts to melt.

Lead has a relatively low melting point, so it melts more easily than many other metals. This makes lead a commonly used material in many industries and manufacturing processes, as it can be easily melted and cast into various shapes and sizes.

Can you sell lead ingots?

If you own Lead Bars, you can choose to sell them. Before selling, it is necessary to determine the market situation and price in order to obtain a fair and reasonable sales price.

However, before selling, it is recommended that you understand the relevant local laws and regulations and environmental protection standards to ensure that your sales activities comply with laws and regulations and will not cause excessive impact on the environment.

How

How to make lead ingots?

The process of making lead ingots usually involves the following steps:

1. Collecting lead. First, you need to collect enough waste lead products or lead ore. Waste lead products can be obtained from scrapped lead-acid batteries, construction materials, etc., while lead ore needs to be mined from mines.
2. Lead smelting. Put the collected waste lead products or lead ore into the furnace for smelting. Furnaces can be electric arc furnaces, induction furnaces or other types of melting furnaces. During the smelting process, temperature and oxygen supply need to be controlled to ensure that the lead can be completely melted.
3. Removal of impurities. In the process of lead smelting, some impurities will be produced, such as lead oxide, arsenic, antimony, etc. To obtain pure lead ingots, these impurities need to be removed by filtration or other treatments.
4. Casting lead ingots. After the lead has been melted and impurities removed, the molten lead can be poured into lead ingot molds for casting. Lead ingot molds can come in different shapes and sizes to suit different application needs.
5. Cooling and Cleaning. After the lead melt is poured into the mold, it is necessary to wait for the lead to cool and solidify, usually several hours. After cooling, the lead ingot can be removed from the mold and cleaned and sanded for a smooth finish and precise weight.

In short, making lead ingots requires certain professional knowledge and experience, and at the same time needs to pay attention to safety and environmental protection. It is recommended to understand the relevant regulations and standards before making lead ingots to ensure that the production process meets the relevant requirements.

Where

Where to buy lead ingots?

There are several ways to buy lead ingots:

• Metal Material Suppliers. Metal material suppliers typically offer various types of metal materials, including lead ingots. You can find local suppliers by doing an online search or the Yellow Pages, or use online metal materials marketplaces such as ThomasNet and Metal Supermarkets.
• Online marketplaces. Many online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, also offer the sale of lead ingots. You can find and buy lead ingots through these platforms.
• Metal Recycling Stations. Some metal recycling stations take used lead products and recycle lead ingots. If you wish to sell lead items, consider contacting your local recycling station.

When purchasing lead ingots, it is recommended that you pay attention to the quality and certificates of the products to ensure that the lead ingots purchased meet the relevant standards and regulations.

In addition, it is also necessary to pay attention to safety and avoid contact with lead ingots to cause harm to the body.

What

What are lead ingots used for?

Lead ingot is a common metal product, usually used in the following fields:

• Battery manufacturing: Lead ingot is the main raw material for manufacturing lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries are widely used in automobiles, UPS power supplies, solar panels and other fields.
• Protective barrier: Lead ingot is an important raw material for the manufacture of radiation protection equipment, such as X-ray protective screens in medical institutions and radiation protection screens in nuclear power plants.
• Building materials: Lead ingot is a metal material with high density and heavy weight, which can be used to make building materials, such as roofing materials, waterproof materials, windproof materials, etc.
• Industrial chemicals: Lead ingots can also be used to make chemicals such as pigments, dyes, preservatives, pyrotechnic explosives, etc.

In addition, lead ingots can also be used to make other metal materials, such as tin-lead alloys, lead-tin alloys, copper-lead alloys, etc.

What does a lead ingot weigh?

• 25kg/block. This is a common industry standard, the weight of lead ingot is 25kg.
• 50lb/block. In the United States, the weight of lead ingots is usually measured in pounds, and a 50-pound lead ingot is a common specification.
• 1kg/block. In some countries, such as Europe, the weight of lead ingots is usually in kilograms.
• Other specifications. In addition to the above specifications, the weight of lead ingots can be customized according to needs, such as 50kg, 100kg, 200kg, 12.5 lbs and other specifications of lead ingots are also common.