Bismuth: World Refinery Production, By Country Or Locality

This table presents data on global refinery production of bismuth, broken down by country or locality over the period from 2019 to 2023. Bismuth is a critical metal primarily obtained as a byproduct of mining and processing other metals such as copper, lead, and tungsten. Tracking refinery production by country is important for understanding the supply dynamics of this metal, which is used in a variety of industrial applications including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, alloys, and electronics. The data helps stakeholders gauge shifts in production capacity, identify leading producers, and assess potential impacts on global markets and supply chains.

Analysis of the data reveals that China remains the dominant producer, although its refinery output declined from an estimated 15,500 metric tons in 2022 to 13,300 metric tons in 2023, marking a significant decrease. Laos showed a notable production drop as well, from 1,938 metric tons in 2022 to 1,148 metric tons in 2023. Conversely, the Republic of Korea’s production rebounded to 1,000 metric tons in 2023, matching its 2021 peak after a dip in 2022. Bolivia, which had no reported production in 2022, estimated an increase to 68 metric tons in 2023. Overall, world refinery production decreased from 19,000 metric tons in 2022 to 16,200 metric tons in 2023, reflecting a downward trend after several years of growth. These fluctuations highlight the sensitivity of bismuth supply to changes in mining and refining activities across key producing countries.