Lead; waste and scrap

HS code 780200 covers lead and lead waste and scrap. Lead is a dense, soft, and malleable metal that has been used for centuries in a wide range of applications, from construction materials to batteries and radiation shielding. The lead industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential raw materials for various industries and supporting the circular economy through the recycling of lead-based products.

The production of lead typically involves the mining and smelting of lead-containing ores. The ore is first crushed and then smelted in a furnace to extract the pure lead metal. Lead can also be produced through the recycling of lead-based products, such as automotive batteries and other lead-containing items. This recycling process involves the collection, sorting, and reprocessing of lead-containing waste to recover the pure metal.

The main inputs required for the lead industry include lead-containing ores, such as galena (lead sulfide), as well as various types of lead-based scrap and waste materials. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment and machinery for mining, smelting, and recycling operations. Energy sources, such as electricity and fuel, are also essential inputs for the production and processing of lead.

The primary output of HS code 780200 is lead metal, which is used in a variety of applications, including the production of lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, construction materials, and various other industrial and consumer products. The lead industry also generates lead-containing waste and scrap, which can be further processed and recycled to recover the valuable metal. Other HS codes that may consume the output of 780200 include 854810 Lead-acid accumulators, 854890 Other electrical accumulators, and 854890 Other electrical machinery and equipment, among others.