2. GOLD
Metal Properties
Gold is a chemical element with the
symbol Au (from the Latin "aurum") and
an atomic number of 79. It is a dense,
soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold
has a distinctive bright yellow color and
excellent electrical conductivity. It doesn't
tarnish or corrode, making it highly
valuable.
Uses
Gold has a wide range of uses, including:
Jewelry: Gold is a popular choice for crafting
ornaments and jewelry due to its beauty and resistance
to tarnish.
Currency: It has been used as a form of currency for
centuries and is often held as an investment.
Electronics: Gold is used in electronic components,
including connectors and circuit boards, due to its
excellent conductivity.
Dentistry: It is used in dental crowns and fillings.
Space Technology: Gold-coated visors protect
astronauts' eyes from harmful solar radiation in space.
3. GOLD
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Gold is commonly found in several
regions in the Philippines, including:
Benguet: The Cordillera region in
Luzon is known for its gold mines.
Masbate: The island of Masbate in
the Bicol region is a significant gold-
producing area.
Davao: The Davao region in Mindanao
is another region where gold is
extracted.
Origin and Formation
Gold in the Philippines is often
found in quartz veins and alluvial
deposits. These deposits are
primarily formed through
geological processes, including
hydrothermal activity, where hot
fluids carrying gold deposit the
metal as they cool and solidify.
4. GOLD
How is it Mined?
Gold is typically extracted using several
methods:
Underground Mining: In hard rock
mines, tunnels are excavated to
access the gold-bearing ore.
Placer Mining (Alluvial Mining): In
river beds or other water sources,
gold particles are separated from
sand and gravel using techniques like
panning or sluicing.
How is it Processed?
Gold ore is processed through various methods,
including:
Amalgamation: Gold is mixed with mercury,
forming an amalgam that is later heated to
evaporate the mercury.
Cyanidation: Gold is dissolved in a weak
cyanide solution to extract it from ore.
Carbon-in-Leach (CIL): A method involving
activated carbon to absorb and recover
gold.
5. GOLD
Metallic
Production Value
The Philippines is a significant producer
of gold. Production values vary from year
to year due to fluctuations in the price of
gold and demand. In recent years, the
production value has been substantial.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about 29,007
kgs and worth value of Php
90,952,774,235. (Sources MGB Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of gold is
approximately $1,800 per
troy ounce. Gold prices can
fluctuate due to various
factors, including economic
conditions and geopolitical
events.
6. GOLD
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Gold is often associated with various fascinating facts,
such as its use in space exploration to protect astronauts
from harmful solar radiation. It is also one of the few
elements that can be eaten as a decoration on food and
beverages, and it has been used for thousands of years
in various cultures as a symbol of wealth and power.
7. SILVER
Metal Properties
Silver is a lustrous, white, metallic
element with the chemical symbol Ag
(from the Latin "argentum") and atomic
number 47. It is known for its excellent
electrical and thermal conductivity,
making it an essential component in
various industries. Silver is highly
malleable and ductile, meaning it can be
easily shaped into different forms.
Uses
Silver has a wide range of applications, including:
Jewelry: Silver is commonly used for making jewelry
due to its lustrous appearance and affordability.
Electronics: Silver is a crucial component in
electrical circuits and contacts due to its exceptional
conductivity.
Photography: Silver compounds are used in
traditional black-and-white photography.
Currency: Historically, silver has been used as a form
of currency.
Medicine: Silver has antimicrobial properties and is
used in medical devices and wound dressings.
8. SILVER
How is it Mined?
Silver is typically extracted using both
underground and surface mining
methods:
Underground Mining: In hard rock
mines, tunnels are excavated to
access silver-bearing ore.
Surface Mining: In some cases, silver
ore is found close to the surface and
can be extracted through open-pit
mining.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of silver from its ore
involves several processes:
Smelting: Silver-bearing ore is
heated to high temperatures in a
furnace, separating the silver from
other elements.
Refining: The impurities are
removed from the extracted silver,
resulting in pure silver.
9. SILVER
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Silver is commonly found in
various regions in the Philippines,
including:
Nueva Vizcaya: This province in
Luzon is known for its silver
deposits.
Cebu: The island of Cebu has
significant silver reserves.
Origin and Formation
Silver deposits are often
associated with hydrothermal
and epithermal veins. These
veins form through geological
processes where hot fluids
deposit minerals as they
move through fractures in the
Earth's crust.
10. SILVER
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production value of
silver in the Philippines can vary
from year to year, influenced by
factors like silver prices, demand,
and the extent of mining activities.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
56,227 kgs and worth value of Php
2,133,935,180. (Sources MGB
Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
silver is approximately $24
per troy ounce. The price
can fluctuate due to
market conditions,
industrial demand, and
economic factors.
11. SILVER
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Silver has some remarkable characteristics, including being the
best thermal conductor among all elements. It is also known for
its antimicrobial properties, which have led to its use in
healthcare settings to prevent infections. Additionally, silver has
been used in coinage for centuries and was once a standard for
monetary systems worldwide.
12. COPPER
Metal Properties
Copper is a reddish-brown,
malleable, and ductile metal with
the chemical symbol Cu (from the
Latin "cuprum") and atomic
number 29. It is an excellent
conductor of electricity and heat,
making it a vital material in
electrical wiring and various
industrial applications.
Uses
Copper has a wide range of applications, including:
Electrical Wiring: Copper is the most common
material for electrical conductors due to its
exceptional conductivity.
Plumbing: Copper pipes and fittings are used in
plumbing systems.
Electronics: Copper is used in circuit boards,
electric motors, and transformers.
Construction: Copper is used in roofing,
architectural elements, and interior design.
Coins: Historically, many coins were made of
copper.
13. COPPER
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Copper is commonly found in
several regions in the Philippines,
including:
Palawan: The island of Palawan
is a significant copper-
producing area.
Nueva Vizcaya: This province is
known for its copper deposits.
Origin and Formation
Copper deposits in the Philippines
are typically associated with
porphyry copper deposits. These
deposits form through geological
processes where hot, metal-
bearing fluids rise and deposit
copper minerals in large, igneous
intrusions.
14. COPPER
How is it Mined?
Copper is typically extracted using various
mining methods:
Open-Pit Mining: This method is used
when copper ore is located close to
the surface. Large open pits are
excavated to reach the ore.
Underground Mining: In cases where
the copper ore is deeper,
underground tunnels are used to
access and extract the ore.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of copper from its ore involves
several processes:
Crushing and Grinding: The ore is crushed
into smaller pieces and ground into a fine
powder.
Flotation: The powdered ore is mixed with
water and chemicals to separate copper
minerals from other materials.
Smelting: The concentrated copper is
heated in a furnace to remove impurities
and obtain pure copper.
15. COPPER
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production value of
copper in the Philippines can vary
from year to year, depending on
factors like copper prices, demand,
and the extent of mining activities.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
258,729 kgs and worth value of
Php 25,673,401,385. (Sources
MGB Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
copper is approximately $4
per pound (Php 99,228.93 per
kgs). Copper prices can
fluctuate due to market
conditions, industrial
demand, and economic
factors.
16. COPPER
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Copper is one of the few metals known to be used by humans for
thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations. Its
excellent electrical conductivity has made it essential for modern
technology, and it is vital for the development of renewable
energy systems and electric vehicles. Additionally, copper is
naturally antibacterial, which has led to its use in healthcare
settings for touch surfaces and medical equipment.
17. NICKEL
Metal Properties
Nickel is a silver-white, lustrous
metal with the chemical symbol Ni
and atomic number 28. It is known
for its resistance to corrosion and
its ability to withstand high
temperatures. Nickel is magnetic
and has good electrical
conductivity.
Uses
Nickel has various applications, including:
Stainless Steel Production: A significant portion of
nickel is used to make stainless steel, which is
corrosion-resistant.
Batteries: Nickel is used in rechargeable batteries, such
as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal-hydride
(NiMH) batteries.
Aerospace: It is used in aircraft and spacecraft
components.
Electronics: Nickel is used in electronic components
and connectors.
Catalysts: It serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
18. NICKEL
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Nickel is commonly found in
several regions in the Philippines,
including:
Palawan: Palawan is a
significant nickel-producing
province.
Surigao del Norte: This
province in Mindanao is also
known for its nickel deposits.
Origin and Formation
Nickel deposits in the Philippines
are primarily associated with
lateritic nickel ore deposits. These
ores are formed through the
weathering of ultramafic rocks
over millions of years, resulting in
the accumulation of nickel-rich
soils.
19. NICKEL
How is it Mined?
Nickel is typically extracted using various
mining methods:
Open-Pit Mining: This method is used
when nickel ore is located close to the
surface. Large open pits are excavated
to reach the ore.
Laterite Profile Mining: In regions
with lateritic nickel ore, a profile is
excavated to access the ore, and the
material is then processed.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of nickel from its ore
involves several processes:
Hydrometallurgical Processes:
These include leaching and solvent
extraction to separate nickel from
other metals.
Pyrometallurgical Processes:
Involving high-temperature
treatments, such as smelting, to
produce pure nickel.
20. NICKEL
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production value of
nickel in the Philippines can vary from
year to year due to fluctuations in
nickel prices, demand, and the extent
of mining activities.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
29,390,870 DMT and worth value of
Php 61,605,035,837. (Sources MGB
Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of nickel
is approximately $9 per
pound (Php 2,096 per DMT).
Nickel prices can fluctuate
due to market conditions,
industrial demand, and
economic factors.
21. NICKEL
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Nickel is one of the most widely used metals in the world, and its
unique properties make it essential for various industries. It is often
used as a protective coating on other metals to prevent corrosion
(nickel plating). The U.S. five-cent coin, commonly called a nickel, is
actually made of a copper-nickel alloy. Additionally, nickel is essential
in the production of electric vehicle batteries, which are becoming
increasingly important in the transition to sustainable energy sources.
22. CHROMITE
Metal Properties
Chromite is a dark, brownish-black
mineral with the chemical formula
FeCr2O4. It is an essential ore for
chromium, which is a hard, shiny,
steel-gray metal. Chromium is
known for its corrosion resistance
and the ability to provide a bright
and reflective surface when
polished.
Uses
The primary use of chromite is for
the production of chromium
alloys, including stainless steel.
Chromium is also used in various
industrial applications, including
chrome plating for decorative and
corrosion-resistant coatings, as
well as in the chemical and
refractory industries.
23. CHROMITE
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Chromite is commonly found in
several regions in the Philippines,
including:
Zambales: Zambales province in
Luzon is a significant chromite-
producing area.
Coto Mines, Masinloc, Zambales:
This specific locality in Zambales is
known for chromite deposits.
Origin and Formation
Chromite is typically formed
in ultramafic rocks and is
often associated with
ophiolite complexes. These
rocks result from tectonic
processes and the cooling of
magma deep within the
Earth's crust.
24. CHROMITE
How is it Mined?
Chromite is typically extracted using
surface and underground mining
methods:
Open-Pit Mining: In regions where
chromite ore is close to the surface,
open-pit mining is employed,
involving the removal of overburden
to access the ore.
Underground Mining: In areas with
deeper chromite deposits, tunnels
and shafts are used for extraction.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of chromium from chromite
ore involves several steps, including:
Beneficiation: Ore is crushed and
ground to liberate the chromite grains.
Roasting and Smelting: Chromite ore is
roasted to convert the chromium to a
more soluble form, followed by smelting
to produce ferrochromium, an alloy
used in stainless steel production.
25. CHROMITE
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production value of chromite in
the Philippines can vary from year to year due
to fluctuations in chromite prices, demand,
and the extent of mining activities.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
147,492 DMT and worth value of Php
1,474,265,562. (Sources MGB
Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the
price of chromite
ore is about Php
9,996 per DMT.
26. CHROMITE
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Chromite is a crucial mineral for the stainless steel industry, as it
is the primary source of chromium, an essential component of
stainless steel. The Philippines is among the world's top
producers of chromite, contributing significantly to the global
stainless steel market. The bright, reflective surface of stainless
steel, often seen in kitchen appliances and architectural designs,
owes its shine to the chromium content derived from chromite.
27. IRON
Metal Properties
Iron is a silvery-gray, lustrous
metal with the chemical symbol Fe
and atomic number 26. It is the
most abundant element on Earth
by mass and is known for its
strength, malleability, and
ductility. Pure iron is relatively soft
but can become hard and strong
when alloyed with other elements,
such as carbon.
Uses
Iron has a wide range of applications, including:
Steel Production: The majority of iron is used in
the production of steel, an alloy of iron and
carbon, used in construction, machinery, and
transportation.
Construction: Iron is used in the construction of
buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.
Machinery: Iron and steel are essential
components in various machines and equipment.
Transportation: Iron is used in the manufacturing
of automobiles, ships, and railways.
28. IRON
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Iron is commonly found in several
regions in the Philippines,
including:
Surigao: Surigao province in
Mindanao is known for its iron
ore deposits.
Zambales: Zambales province
in Luzon also has significant
iron ore reserves.
Origin and Formation
Iron ore deposits in the
Philippines are typically associated
with various geological processes,
including the sedimentation of
iron-rich minerals in ancient
oceans and the volcanic activities
that created iron-rich minerals
within rocks.
29. IRON
How is it Mined?
Iron is typically extracted using surface
and underground mining methods:
Open-Pit Mining: In regions where
iron ore is close to the surface, open-
pit mining is employed, involving the
removal of overburden to access the
ore.
Underground Mining: In areas with
deeper iron ore deposits, tunnels and
shafts are used for extraction.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of iron from its ore
involves several steps, including:
Beneficiation: Ore is crushed,
ground, and separated to remove
impurities.
Smelting: Iron ore is heated to high
temperatures in a blast furnace to
produce pig iron, which can be
further refined into steel.
30. IRON
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production value of
iron in the Philippines can vary
from year to year due to
fluctuations in iron ore prices,
demand, and the extent of mining
activities.
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
75,771 DMT and worth value of
Php 232,347,048. (Sources MGB
Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the
price of iron ore is
USD 118.57 per
DMT. (Source
Market Insider)
31. IRON
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Iron is one of the most important and widely used metals in the
world, with applications in numerous industries, from
construction to transportation. The Philippines' iron ore reserves
contribute to the global steel market, playing a significant role in
the development of infrastructure and manufacturing. Iron has a
rich history and is often associated with strength and durability
in various cultural and historical contexts.
32. LEAD
Metal Properties
Lead is a heavy, bluish-
gray metal with the
chemical symbol Pb and
atomic number 82. It is
soft, malleable, and
resistant to corrosion.
Lead is a poor conductor
of electricity but has high
Uses
Uses: Lead has various applications, including:
Batteries: Lead-acid batteries are a primary application,
often used in vehicles and uninterruptible power
supplies.
Radiation Shielding: Lead is used for its high density to
shield against ionizing radiation in medical and
industrial settings.
Ammunition: Lead has historically been used in bullets
and shotgun pellets.
Construction: It is used for roofing, pipes, and some
construction materials.
Pigments: Lead compounds have been used as
pigments in paints, though this application has reduced
due to health concerns.
33. LEAD
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Lead is commonly found in
several regions in the
Philippines, including:
Zambales: Zambales
province in Luzon is known
for its lead deposits.
Abra: The province of Abra in
Luzon also has lead deposits.
Origin and Formation
Lead deposits in the
Philippines are typically
associated with geological
processes that involve the
deposition of lead minerals in
sedimentary rocks and in
volcanic environments.
34. LEAD
How is it Mined?
Lead is typically extracted using surface
and underground mining methods:
Open-Pit Mining: In regions where
lead ore is close to the surface, open-
pit mining is employed, involving the
removal of overburden to access the
ore.
Underground Mining: In areas with
deeper lead ore deposits, tunnels and
shafts are used for extraction.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of lead from its ore involves
several steps, including:
Beneficiation: Ore is crushed and
ground to liberate lead minerals and
separate them from impurities.
Flotation: The powdered ore is mixed
with water and chemicals to separate
lead minerals from other materials.
Smelting: Lead concentrate is heated in
a furnace to produce pure lead.
35. LEAD
Metallic
Production Value
PH produces as of CY 2022 about
9,800 MT (Sources statista)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
lead is 2,072.25 USD per
metric ton. (Source
Trading Economics)
36. LEAD
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Lead has a long history of use, dating back thousands of years. It is
known for its toxicity, which has led to regulations and efforts to
reduce lead exposure in various applications, especially in paint and
gasoline. Lead-acid batteries, despite their toxic nature, remain a
crucial component in many industries. The ability of lead to absorb
radiation has made it essential for shielding in medical and nuclear
applications, helping to protect individuals from harmful ionizing
radiation.
37. ZINC
Metal Properties
Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous
metal with the chemical symbol Zn
and atomic number 30. It is a
moderately dense metal with
excellent corrosion resistance. Zinc
is brittle at ambient temperatures
but becomes malleable at slightly
higher temperatures.
density.
Uses
Uses: Zinc has various applications, including:
Galvanization: Zinc is commonly used to coat
steel and iron to protect against corrosion. This
process is known as galvanization.
Batteries: Zinc-carbon and zinc-air batteries are
widely used.
Alloys: Zinc is used in various metal alloys,
including brass and bronze.
Medicine: Zinc is an essential nutrient for the
human body and is used in dietary supplements.
Pigments: Zinc oxide is used in paints and
sunscreen.
38. ZINC
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Zinc is commonly found in several
regions in the Philippines,
including:
Zambales: Zambales province
in Luzon is known for its zinc
deposits.
Palawan: The island of Palawan
also has significant zinc
reserves.
Origin and Formation
Zinc deposits in the
Philippines are typically
associated with geological
processes involving the
hydrothermal deposition
of zinc minerals in various
rock types.
39. ZINC
How is it Mined?
Zinc is typically extracted using surface
and underground mining methods:
Open-Pit Mining: In regions where
zinc ore is close to the surface, open-
pit mining is employed, involving the
removal of overburden to access the
ore.
Underground Mining: In areas with
deeper zinc ore deposits, tunnels and
shafts are used for extraction.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of zinc from its ore involves
several steps, including:
Beneficiation: Ore is crushed and ground to
liberate zinc minerals and separate them
from impurities.
Flotation: The powdered ore is mixed with
water and chemicals to separate zinc
minerals from other materials.
Roasting and Smelting: Zinc concentrate is
heated in a furnace to produce pure zinc.
40. ZINC
Metallic
Production Value
PH produces as of CY 2010 about
19,819 DMT and worth value of
Php 502,634,953. (Sources MGB
Website)
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
lead is 2,444.00 USD per
metric ton. (Source
Trading Economics)
41. ZINC
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Zinc is a versatile metal that plays a crucial role in protecting
other metals from corrosion through galvanization. It is also an
essential mineral for the human body, involved in various
biological processes. Zinc is used in dietary supplements to
promote health and is found in various foods. Additionally, zinc is
commonly used in sunscreen due to its ability to block harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting the skin from sunburn and skin
damage.
42. MOLYBDENUM
Metal Properties
Molybdenum is a silvery-
white, hard, and refractory
(high melting point) metal
with the chemical symbol Mo
and atomic number 42. It has
excellent heat resistance,
high tensile strength, and
good electrical conductivity.
Uses
Molybdenum has various applications, including:
Alloys: It is often used as an alloying element to improve
the strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance of
other metals, such as steel and superalloys.
Electrical Contacts: Molybdenum is used in electrical
contacts and filaments due to its high melting point and
electrical conductivity.
Catalysts: It is used as a catalyst in various chemical
reactions.
Glass Industry: Molybdenum is used in the manufacture of
high-temperature glass products like glass melting
electrodes.
Aerospace Industry: It is used in aircraft and missile
components.
43. MOLYBDENUM
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Molybdenum is commonly
found in various regions in
the Philippines, including:
Compostela Valley: This
province in Mindanao is
known for its molybdenum
deposits.
Origin and Formation
Molybdenum deposits in the
Philippines are typically
associated with the geological
processes of porphyry copper
deposits. Molybdenum is
often found in combination
with other metals, such as
copper, in these deposits.
44. MOLYBDENUM
How is it Mined?
Molybdenum is typically extracted along with
other metals using mining methods for
porphyry copper deposits, which can include
open-pit and underground mining:
Open-Pit Mining: In regions where
molybdenum ore is close to the surface,
open-pit mining is employed, involving
the removal of overburden to access the
ore.
Underground Mining: In areas with
deeper ore deposits, tunnels and shafts
are used for extraction.
How is it Processed?
The extraction of molybdenum from its ore
involves several steps, including:
Beneficiation: Ore is crushed and ground to
liberate molybdenum minerals and separate
them from impurities.
Flotation: The powdered ore is mixed with
water and chemicals to separate
molybdenum minerals from other materials.
Roasting and Smelting: Molybdenum
concentrate is heated to produce
molybdenum oxide, which can then be
further processed.
45. MOLYBDENUM
Metallic
Production Value
PH has no production of
Molybdenum.
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
lead is 55.63 USD per
metric ton. (Source
Trading Economics)
46. MOLYBDENUM
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Molybdenum is a remarkable metal with a high melting point, making it an
essential component in the aerospace and defense industries. It is also used
in the production of high-strength steel and superalloys, contributing to the
development of advanced technologies. Molybdenum disulfide, a
compound of molybdenum, is a solid lubricant used in high-temperature
and high-pressure environments, including space exploration.
Molybdenum's properties make it vital for various industries that rely on
materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
47. CADMIUM
Metal Properties
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-
white, and highly toxic
metal with the chemical
symbol Cd and atomic
number 48. It is a low-
melting-point metal with
excellent electrical
conductivity.
Uses
Cadmium has various applications, including:
Batteries: Cadmium was historically used in
nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. However, due
to environmental concerns, its use in batteries
has significantly decreased.
Electroplating: Cadmium is used in electroplating
to protect metals from corrosion.
Pigments: Cadmium pigments are used in
various applications, including paints, ceramics,
and plastics.
Nuclear Reactors: It is used as a neutron-
absorbing material in some nuclear reactors.
48. CADMIUM
What region in
the PH can it be commonly found?
Cadmium deposits are
relatively rare in the
Philippines, and it is
not commonly found
as a primary ore in
significant quantities.
Origin and Formation
Cadmium is typically found as
a byproduct of zinc, lead, and
copper mining. It forms
through geological processes
where these other metals are
deposited, and cadmium
becomes concentrated in the
ore.
49. CADMIUM
How is it Mined?
Cadmium is typically
extracted as a byproduct
of the mining of other
metals, such as zinc, lead,
and copper. It is not
typically mined directly in
large quantities.
How is it Processed?
Cadmium is often recovered
as a byproduct of processing
ores containing zinc, lead, or
copper. The refining process
involves the separation of
cadmium from the other
metals in the ore.
50. CADMIUM
Metallic
Production Value
The metallic production
value of cadmium in the
Philippines is relatively
low, as it is not a primary
focus of mining activities
due to environmental and
health concerns.
2023 Metal Price
As of 2023, the price of
Cadmium is 3.30 U.S.
dollars per kilogram.
(Source statista)
51. CADMIUM
Amazing Facts
about this metal
Cadmium has faced increasing restrictions due to its toxicity. Its use in
batteries, particularly in nickel-cadmium batteries, has declined significantly
due to environmental and health concerns. Cadmium pigments have been
widely used in art and industry, but their use has also been restricted in
some regions. The health risks associated with cadmium exposure have led
to efforts to reduce its use and improve recycling and waste disposal
practices. As a neutron absorber, cadmium plays a role in nuclear reactor
safety by controlling the rate of nuclear fission, which is crucial for
preventing meltdowns.