Silver: The Unsung Hero Of The New Economy
Silver demand continues to surge, driven by technologies like solar power and AI.
In 2023 alone, the silver market experienced a 15% supply deficit. Furthermore, the market is expected to reach a cumulative deficit of 1,093.4 million ounces from 2020 to 2024.
In this graphic by Outcrop Silver, we discuss how new mines are necessary to meet the high demand for the metal.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Silver is Essential for New Technologies
According to Sprott, Silver is second only to oil as one of the most widely used commodities, with more than 10,000 applications worldwide.
The metal is a key component in photovoltaic cells used in solar power. The average solar panel requires 20 grams of silver.
Electric vehicles also use between 25 and 50 grams of silver.
In addition, the metal is essential for semiconductors, controls, sensors, and LIDAR technology in AI-enabled transport. Silver is also critical in healthcare AI, through conductive silver nanoparticles in wearable electronic skin patches.
The average cell phone contains 0.34 grams of silver.
The Risk of a Supply Gap
Despite silver’s importance, declining ore grades and depleting reserves at existing mines are reducing the metal output.
The industry also suffers from a lack of investment in primary silver mines. Today, over 70% of silver is mined as a byproduct of gold, copper, and other metals.
| Year | Supply (millions of troy ounces) | Demand | Market Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,047.0 | 1,065.4 | -18.4 |
| 2016 | 1,046.5 | 991.8 | 54.7 |
| 2017 | 1,011.8 | 971.3 | 40.5 |
| 2018 | 1,000.5 | 999.2 | 1.3 |
| 2019 | 1,000.3 | 1,004.4 | -4.1 |
| 2020 | 957.4 | 926.8 | 30.6 |
| 2021 | 1,004.3 | 1,099.6 | -95.4 |
| 2022 | 1,015.4 | 1,278.9 | -263.5 |
| 2023 | 1,010.7 | 1,195.0 | -184.3 |
| 2024F | 1,003.8 | 1,219.1 | -215.3 |
Production is also concentrated in three countries—Mexico, Peru, and China—which together account for half of global silver production.
The Future of Silver
If current circumstances continue, new mines will be necessary to meet the growing demand.
Outcrop Silver is quickly advancing the Santa Ana high-grade silver deposit in the Mariquita District, known as the highest-grade primary silver district in Colombia, with historic silver grades among the highest in Latin America.
The Indicated Grade for the Santa Ana project is ranked the second highest in the world.
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