12. Conclusion

The classic uses for bismuth are manifold: they mainly concern metallurgical additives, alloys, chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Recycling of bismuth is very limited. As a result, its production remains largely dependent on lead and, to a lesser extent, tin and copper, where it is obtained as a by-product of refining operations.

Global demand is forecast to grow by 10-15% a year, due to increased consumption of bismuth in its traditional uses (e.g. as a substitute for lead in plumbing and ammunition), and to the emergence of new uses for the metal, whether to meet current needs (such as food packaging), or as part of the development of recent technologies (such as superconducting cables or optical recording films for CDs and DVDs).

To keep pace with technological developments, bismuth needs to be virtually pure (purity...