It is that time of the week already: the
continuation of the countdown! Last week we examined the slightly-hard-to-spell
molybdenum, and now we are onto number four on the countdown: the very pretty bismuth!
RANKING:
4
ELEMENT
NAME AND SYMBOL:
Bismuth
(Bi)
RELATIVE
SUPPLY RISK INDEX:
9.0
WHY?:
Recently
the production of bismuth has risen due to its use as lead replacement, because
it has similar chemical properties but is very much less toxic. China holds 75%
of the deposits and therefore is nearly at a state of monopolising them.
Bismuth is also very difficult to recycle because of the nature of its use. It
is scattered in products and so tricky extraction methods have to be used to
isolate it from other elements.
LEADING
PRODUCER:
China
TOP RESERVE HOLDER:
China
WHY
THE DEMAND?:
Bismuth
is commonly used is cosmetics; particularly in pigments to colour eye shadows
and nail polishes. It also has pharmaceutical applications; in indigestion
tablets, treatment of eye infections and peptic ulcers. Examples of where it
has replaced lead in alloys include fishing sinkers, bullets and solders.
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