Multiple Uses for Silver
Silver Investment
- Physical silver in the form of bullion bars, coins and medallions
- Exchange traded funds
- Storage accounts
- Silver related equities
Silver in Automobiles
- Over 60 million ounces used annually in automobiles set to grow to 90 million ounces by 2025 (The Silver Institute)
- Every electrical contact is coated with silver
- Use set to grow with increased production of Electric Vehicles
Silver in Solar Energy
- Silver, in paste form, is used in photovoltaic cells to generate electricity
- Sector used 101 million ounces of silver in 2020 and will continue to grow
- Also used in space to power satellites
Silver in 5G Networks
- The rollout of the 5G Cellular Networks is also heavily reliant on silver
- Silver is found in everything from smartphones, antennas, base stations and transceivers
- Increasing demand for 5G ready components and hardware will continue to be a strong driver in the demand for silver
Silver in Electrical Components
- High electrical conductivity means silver found in most electrical devices
- Silver membrane switches in televisions, computer keyboards, telephones
- Printed circuit boards in mobile phones, computers, control systems
- Silver-based inks produce RFID tags to prevent theft and allow easy inventory control
Silver in Medicine
- Silver naturally works as a biocide destroying bacteria fights and kills bacteria
- Effective against antibiotic drug resistant superbugs
- Used as a coating on medical devices
Silver in Catalysts
- Silver is a common catalyst in many chemical manufacturing processes producing everyday items
- Around 10 million ounces of silver are used each year to produce ethylene oxide used in the production of polyester, plastics and antifreeze coolant
- Silver is also used to produce formaldehyde used in the manufacture of plastics adhesives, laminating resins for construction plywood and particleboard and many other products
Silver in Aerospace
- Silver is used extensively in aerospace electronics
- Silver coated ball bearings are very strong and are used in jet engines and helicopter engines
- As well as strength silver acts as a lubricant extending life and a high safety margin
Silver in Water Purification
- Silver ions are added to water purification systems in hospitals, community water systems, pools and spas
- Silver helps to prevent Legionnaires’ disease developing in tanks and air conditioning systems
- Used in water purifiers preventing the build up of bacteria and algae
Silver in Windows
- Silver is used to coat glass for windows in hot climates
- Around 70% of solar energy is reflected resulting in energy saving associated with air conditioning
Silver in Electroplating
- A traditional use of silver it is still used on a wide range of goods
- Electroplated components, trophies, jewelry, tableware
Silver in Photography
- While silver use has declined with the advent of digital photography it is still used for fine prints, motion pictures and other niche uses.
Silver in Jewellery
- The jewllery market is undoutebdly one of the biggest consumers of Silver. Bringing about all of the qualities of gold to work with, silver can be polished incredibly easily. It’s often alloyed with copper - to make the metal more resilient. Silver chains, watches, rings and earrings can all be purchased.
Silver in Water Purification
- Silver is used in water puriification filters and products - to prevent the buildup of dangerous bacteria and algae. Research has also shown that silver, when used with oxygen, can replace the use of chlorine.
Silver in Circuit Boards
- The use of silver is used across printed circuit boards - connecting electricity across the boards. These boards are used in everything from house alarms, to commercial airliners.