Antonina Levashenko, Head of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, told RIA Novosti which metal is currently considered the cheapest in the world and why its price remains low.
“Lead is considered the cheapest metal traded on global markets — its prices range from $1,800 to $1,990 per ton,” said Antonina Levashenko.
According to her, the low price is linked to declining demand for the metal in key industries.
“It is becoming less applicable and in demand in the sectors where it is used—the automotive industry and in batteries. There, it is being actively replaced by other metals — lithium and nickel. It is also used in the production of various pigments and paints (about 5% of consumption), as well as for protective coatings on buildings and in medical equipment, such as X-ray machines,” added Antonina Levashenko.