Silver is a by-product of gold, copper, lead and zinc mining. Mexico is the world’s largest producer of silver followed by Peru, China, Australia and Chile.
The US and China are the largest consumers (accounting for about one third of world demand) followed by Japan and India.
Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, but is not used widely for electrical purposes as it is much more expensive than copper. It is ductile and malleable, is a superior conductor of heat and a good light reflector.
Silver is used in jewellery/silverware, industrial applications (like brazing and soldering, mirror and other coating, electroplating) plus as a catalyst, in photovoltaic solar panels, water purification and photography.