Silver
The most electrically conductive element — used in solar cells, electrical contacts, brazing and electronics.
Silver pastes, contacts and sintering materials in power electronics and chip packaging; silver is the largest input cost in solar cells.
Added to the US critical list in 2025; China added silver to export licensing in 2026.
Where it's produced
Share of 2025 world mine production (metric tons). Source: USGS MCS 2026.
Where the reserves are
Share of known economic reserves (metric tons). World total: 610k t. ≈ 23 years at 2025 output.
Who calls it critical
Membership on each government list. “Strategic” marks a higher tier where the list has one; “group” means included as part of a group such as rare earths or PGMs.
Silver: key questions
- Where is silver mined or produced?
- According to USGS 2025 data, the largest producers are Mexico (24%), Peru (14%) and China (13%) of world mine production. China accounts for about 13%.
- Is silver a critical mineral?
- Silver appears on 1 of the 10 official lists we track (United States).
- Is silver in short supply?
- Our supply status: Watch. Added to the US critical list in 2025; China added silver to export licensing in 2026.
- Why does silver matter for AI infrastructure?
- Silver pastes, contacts and sintering materials in power electronics and chip packaging; silver is the largest input cost in solar cells.
Related minerals
ExplorerAluminum
WatchLight, conductive and recyclable — used in transmission lines, server chassis, heat sinks and building structures. Made from bauxite (Guinea, Australia).
Copper
DeficitThe metal of electrification. Copper wires the grid, the substation, the busbar and the chip — and it is the single largest mineral input to AI infrastructure.
Tin
WatchThe solder that joins every electronic component to every circuit board. Supply comes from China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Peru and DR Congo.