As of January 1, 2026, China is implementing export controls that threaten to starve the world’s solar and EV industries. This shift has been notably highlighted by Elon Musk and others. So, in light of these new controls, here is a brief history on China’s centuries-long obsession with silver.

Lead often lacks the futuristic allure of lithium or copper, but without it, the modern world would quite literally blink out. While the infographic above, based on Mining Technology’s 2023 market data, ranks the world’s top producers by tonnage, the deeper story is about the critical role these mines play in securing our digital infrastructure.

The chart above tracks 65 years of price history, but the most compelling story isn't just the long-term trend, it’s the explosive price action happening right now. After decades of steady accumulation, the "Yellow Metal" has entered a new phase of price discovery, leaving historical resistance levels in the dust. Meanwhil