Silver - a "critical" material?

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It's difficult to predict exactly when silver will become a critical material, as this will depend on a variety of economic, political, and technological factors, as well as the pace of the transition towards an "electron economy" and the demand for silver that this creates.

However, some analysts believe that the demand for silver could increase significantly in the coming years due to its use in renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and electronic devices, as well as its traditional use in jewelry and silverware. If this demand growth is not met by a corresponding increase in supply, it is possible that silver could become a critical material in the future.

Furthermore, some reports suggest that the supply of silver could be limited in the long term due to declining production from existing mines and the difficulty of finding and developing new silver deposits. This could also contribute to an increase in the importance of silver as a critical material.

Overall, while it is difficult to predict exactly when silver will become a critical material, it is clear that the growing demand for silver in a variety of industries and the potential limitations to its supply could make it a critical material in the coming years.

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The Silver Institute: The Silver Institute is a nonprofit organization that represents the silver industry. In their 2020 report, they note that silver is used in a variety of technologies, including photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicles, and that demand for silver is expected to grow as these technologies become more widespread.

Roskill: Roskill is a research firm that provides analysis of metals and minerals markets. In a 2020 report on silver, they note that demand for silver in photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicles is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and that this could lead to a shortage of silver supply.

BMO Capital Markets: BMO Capital Markets is an investment bank that provides analysis of the commodities market. In a 2020 report on silver, they note that silver is used in a variety of industrial applications, including electronics and batteries, and that demand for these applications is expected to grow in the coming years.

S&P Global Market Intelligence: S&P Global Market Intelligence is a financial data and analytics firm. In a 2020 report on silver, they note that silver is an important metal for renewable energy technologies and that demand for these technologies is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is an investment bank that provides analysis of the commodities market. In a 2020 report on silver, they note that silver is used in a variety of industrial applications, including electronics and solar panels, and that demand for these applications is expected to grow in the coming years.

The Silver Forum: The Silver Forum is an online community of silver investors and enthusiasts. They discuss a wide range of topics related to silver, including its use in industrial applications and the potential for increased demand in the future.

Metals Focus: Metals Focus is a research firm that provides analysis of the precious metals market. They have published reports on the silver market, including its role in renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Morgan Stanley: Morgan Stanley is an investment bank that provides analysis of the commodities market. In a 2020 report on silver, they note that the metal is likely to benefit from the transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles.

CPM Group: CPM Group is a commodities research and consulting firm. In a 2021 report on silver, they note that the metal is likely to see increased demand in the future due to its use in renewable energy technologies.

CRU Group: CRU Group is a commodities research and consulting firm. In a 2021 report on silver, they note that the metal is likely to see increased demand in the future due to its use in electronic devices and electric vehicles.

These are just a few more examples of the many analysts and organizations that have commented on the potential for increased demand for silver and its potential role as a critical material.

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Silver is important to the electron economy for a few reasons. First, it is an excellent conductor of electricity, and is used in many electronic devices and circuitry. Silver is also used in the electrical contacts and conductive paste in many electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

In addition, silver has important applications in renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaic solar panels. Silver is used in small quantities in most solar panels as a conductor and reflectivity enhancer. As countries around the world seek to reduce their carbon emissions and transition to clean energy, the demand for solar energy and therefore silver is expected to grow rapidly.

While silver is not directly used in wind turbines themselves, it is used in the production of the electrical contacts and conductive paste for the electronic components that control the operation of wind turbines. These components include power inverters, which convert the direct current generated by the turbines into alternating current that can be used by the grid.

Silver is also used in the production of electric vehicles, as it is a key component in the manufacturing of batteries, electrical contacts, and wiring. As the demand for electric vehicles grows, the demand for silver is also expected to increase.

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Silver possesses several properties that make it important to the electron economy:

*Conductivity: Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity, which means that it can efficiently transmit electricity through wires and other electrical components. This property makes it an ideal material for use in electrical contacts, switches, and other components in electronic devices.

Reflectivity: Silver is also highly reflective, which makes it useful in a variety of applications, such as mirrors, solar panels, and other reflective coatings. In solar panels, for example, silver is used as a conductor and a reflective layer to maximize the absorption of sunlight.

Durability: Silver is highly resistant to corrosion, which means that it can maintain its properties even under harsh conditions. This makes it suitable for use in electronic devices and other applications where durability is important.

Malleability: Silver is a highly malleable metal, which means that it can be easily shaped into wires, sheets, and other forms. This property makes it useful in a variety of manufacturing processes, such as the production of electronic components and jewelry.

Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and has a high thermal conductivity as well. It can conduct electricity even at high temperatures, but as the temperature increases, its resistance also increases, and eventually, it may stop conducting electricity altogether at very high temperatures.

*The specific temperature at which silver stops conducting electricity depends on various factors, including the purity of the silver, the size and shape of the conductor, and the ambient conditions. However, in general, silver retains its conductivity up to very high temperatures. For example, pure silver wire has been shown to maintain its electrical conductivity up to around 800 °C (1472 °F).

Overall, these properties make silver an important material in the electron economy, as it is used in a wide range of electronic devices and renewable energy technologies.

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Automotive industry: Silver is used in the production of catalytic converters, which reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.

Mirrors: Silver is commonly used as a reflective coating on mirrors due to its high reflectivity.

Coins and bullion: Silver is a popular material for coins and bullion due to its value and durability.

Aerospace industry: Silver is used in various aerospace applications, including electrical contacts, reflective coatings on spacecraft, and solar panels on satellites.

Photography: Silver is used in the production of photographic film and paper.

Chemical production: Silver is used in the production of various chemicals, including ethylene oxide, which is used to sterilize medical equipment.

Glass production: Silver is used in some types of glass, including mirrors and low-emissivity windows.

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Silver has been shown to exhibit a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various types of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The exact mechanism by which silver acts on bacteria is not completely understood, but there are several proposed mechanisms.

One proposed mechanism is that silver ions can bind to the bacterial cell wall and disrupt its function, leading to cell death. Silver ions can also bind to bacterial DNA and RNA, inhibiting replication and transcription. Additionally, silver ions can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside bacterial cells, which can damage bacterial cell membranes and other cellular components, leading to cell death.

Some studies suggest that the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is due to their ability to penetrate the bacterial cell membrane, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately bacterial death. Other studies suggest that silver nanoparticles can bind to bacterial proteins, altering their structure and function.

Overall, the exact mechanism by which silver acts on bacteria is complex and may depend on factors such as the type of bacteria, the concentration of silver, and the form of silver used (e.g. ions, nanoparticles). Nonetheless, the antimicrobial properties of silver have been studied extensively and have been demonstrated in a wide range of applications, including wound dressings, medical devices, and water treatment.

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Silver has been shown to have some antiviral activity against a range of viruses, including herpes simplex virus, HIV, and influenza A virus. However, the mechanism by which silver inhibits viruses is not well understood, and the antiviral effects of silver are generally weaker than its antibacterial effects.

One proposed mechanism is that silver ions can interact with viral proteins, interfering with viral replication and assembly. Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to interact with viral proteins, inhibiting their function and reducing viral infectivity.

While the antiviral properties of silver are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to determine the efficacy and safety of silver-based antiviral agents. In addition, it is important to note that while silver may be effective against some viruses, it is not a panacea and should not be relied upon as the sole means of preventing or treating viral infections.

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Studies have shown that silver nanoparticles can migrate in mammals and can accumulate in various organs and tissues, depending on factors such as the size of the particles, their surface coating, and the route of exposure.

When silver nanoparticles are administered orally, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and can accumulate in organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. When administered intravenously or via inhalation, silver nanoparticles can also accumulate in the lungs and brain.

The concentration of silver nanoparticles in these organs and tissues can vary depending on the size of the particles, the dose and duration of exposure, and the route of administration. Some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to silver nanoparticles may lead to accumulation in these organs and tissues, which could potentially lead to adverse health effects.

While silver nanoparticles have shown promise as antimicrobial agents and have been used in a range of medical and consumer products, the potential health risks associated with their migration and accumulation in the body are a subject of ongoing research and debate.

The potential health effects of silver nanoparticles in humans are a subject of ongoing research and debate. While some studies have suggested that exposure to silver nanoparticles may be associated with certain health risks, the evidence is not yet conclusive.

One concern is that silver nanoparticles could cause damage to cells and tissues, potentially leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to silver nanoparticles may lead to accumulation in organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which could potentially lead to adverse health effects.

Other studies have suggested that exposure to silver nanoparticles could lead to the development of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including asthma and heart disease. Some studies have also suggested that silver nanoparticles could have genotoxic effects, potentially increasing the risk of cancer.

While some studies have suggested that exposure to certain environmental toxins may increase the risk of epilepsy, there is currently no evidence to suggest that silver nanoparticles are among the substances that may contribute to the development of epilepsy.


It is important for individuals to use caution when using products that contain silver nanoparticles and to follow manufacturer instructions for safe use and disposal.

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There are several Australian mining companies that have significant silver resources. Here are some of the largest:

Silver Mines Limited (ASX: SVL) - This is an Australian-based exploration and development company that focuses on silver, zinc, and lead. The company owns the Bowdens Silver Project, which is one of the largest undeveloped silver deposits in the world.

South32 Limited (ASX: S32) - South32 is a diversified mining company that operates in several countries, including Australia. The company's Cannington mine in Queensland is one of the world's largest producers of silver and lead.

Polymetal International PLC (ASX: POLY) - Polymetal is a multinational mining company with operations in several countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan. The company's Dukat hub in Russia is one of the world's largest silver deposits.

Pan American Silver Corp. (ASX: PAAS) - Although not an Australian company, Pan American Silver is a leading silver producer with several operations in South America. The company's Manantial Espejo mine in Argentina is one of its largest silver producers.

It's worth noting that there may be other Australian mining companies that have silver resources, but these are some of the largest and most well-known.

Lesser known but interesting:

Investigator Resources Limited (ASX:IVR) is an Australian-based mineral exploration company that primarily focuses on the exploration and development of copper, gold, and silver resources. The company's flagship project is the Paris Silver Project, located in South Australia, which is a high-grade, shallow, and flat-lying deposit that contains silver*, zinc, and lead.
*JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of 9.3 million ounces of silver.

Silver Lake Resources Limited (ASX: SLR) is an Australian gold mining company that also produces significant amounts of silver. The company's primary operations are located in Western Australia, where it operates several gold mines, including Mount Monger, Daisy Complex, and Murchison. Silver Lake Resources has reported significant silver resources at its Mount Monger operations, with a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of 10 million ounces of silver. The company produces silver as a by-product of its gold mining operations, and its total silver production in FY2021 was 1.23 million ounces.