Byproduct Sulfuric Acid Produced In The United States

This table presents data on the production of sulfuric acid derived as a byproduct from various metal processing plants in the United States, specifically from copper, zinc, lead, and molybdenum operations. This information is critical for understanding the supply of sulfuric acid, a key industrial chemical used extensively in fertilizer manufacturing, mineral processing, and chemical synthesis. Tracking byproduct sulfuric acid production helps gauge the health of related mining sectors and provides insight into the availability and economic value of this important commodity within the domestic market.

In 2023, the total production of byproduct sulfuric acid in the United States reached 640 thousand metric tons of sulfur content, marking a slight increase from 636 thousand metric tons in 2022. Copper plants remained the dominant source, producing 572 thousand metric tons, up marginally from 568 thousand metric tons the previous year. Production from zinc, lead, and molybdenum plants also saw a modest rise to 69 thousand metric tons, revised upward from 67 thousand metric tons in 2022. Correspondingly, the total value of this production increased to $226 million in 2023, up from $218 million in 2022, reflecting both higher output and possibly favorable market conditions. These trends indicate a stable and slightly growing byproduct sulfuric acid sector closely tied to the performance of the copper and base metal mining industries.