Silver’s innovative applications

An infographic from Scottsdale Bullion & Coin illustrates the vital role silver plays in the technologies we use every day. From the world’s strongest alloys to the most delicate circuit boards, the infographic above shows how deeply silver is integrated into modern devices.

Due to its high malleability and conductivity, silver is a critical component in electronics, used in switches, batteries and superconductors. It is also added to water purification systems as a sanitizer, preventing diseases caused by water-borne bacteria, such as Legionnaires’ disease. Silver is also an exceptionally tough metal, used in Air Force transports and Army helicopters as part of an incredibly strong alloy.

With so many opportunities for use, the more than 7.9 million ounces of silver produced globally will continue to be in high demand meaning big economic opportunities for silver-rich states like Nevada, Arizona, Alaska and Idaho.

The House of Representatives recently took a step in the right direction, passing the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2013, which aims to streamline the permitting process and allow new mining projects – for important minerals and metals like silver – to more efficiently get off the ground.