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Metals in everyday life – closer than you think

A mine a thousand meters underground may seem far removed from everyday life. But the metals extracted from it are closer than you think—in the sports jersey you’re sweating in, the cell phone you’re scrolling on, and the dishwasher you’re loading. Learn more about how these metals are used—and how they make our daily lives easier.

Sun protection with zinc?

Yes, indeed. Zinc is a versatile metal found in everything from skincare products and medications to vehicles and batteries—and it plays a significant role in society’s transition to a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the journey of zinc from mine to the sunscreen you apply.

Zinc - from mine to sunscreen

Zap with silver?

Of course! Thanks to its unique ability to conduct electricity, silver helps the electronics in your remote control do their job. The metal is found in everything from cell phones to jewelry—and plays a vital role in the technology driving the climate transition forward. 

Read more about how silver makes its way all the way from our mines to the remote control in your hand.

Silver - from mine to remote control

Stainless steel with nickel?

Absolutely. Nickel is a key component of the stainless steel used in, among other things, the stroller’s frame, screws, and fasteners. The metal helps make the steel resistant to rust and is found in everything from everyday products to the technology needed for the energy transition.  

Read more about how nickel makes its way all the way from our mine to the stroller. 

Nickel - from mine to stroller

Silver as sweat protection?

It actually makes perfect sense! Thanks to its antibacterial properties, the metal can be used in sportswear to keep garments fresher longer. But silver also has many other uses. It also conducts heat and electricity better than any other metal and plays an important role in the technology driving the climate transition forward.

Read more about how silver makes its way all the way from our mines to children’s soccer jerseys.

Silver – from mine to sportswear

Connected with copper?

You can count on it! Copper conducts both electricity and heat and plays a vital role in cell phone electronics, where it helps carry current and signals. The metal is also essential in everything from power grids and electric cars to wind and solar power—and plays a central role in the electrification of society.

Learn more about how copper makes its way from our mines to the cell phone in your hand.

Copper – from mine to cell phone

Clean dishes with zinc?

Absolutely! Zinc is an effective rust inhibitor that, through galvanization, makes steel last longer. This makes the metal essential in everything from dishwashers and refrigerators to cars and wind turbines.

Learn more about how zinc makes its way from our mines to the dishwasher in your kitchen.

Zinc - from mine to dishwasher

Enhanced with copper?

You bet! In your makeup brush, you’ll find copper in the brass ferrule that holds the bristles in place. But the metal’s properties extend far beyond your makeup bag! Thanks to its ability to conduct electricity and heat, copper is a vital resource in modern society—and crucial for continued electrification.

Learn more about how copper travels from our mines to the makeup brush in your hand.  

Copper - from mine to makeup brush

Safer dental visits thanks to lead?

That’s right! Thanks to its high density, lead effectively blocks X-rays and therefore plays an important role in protective equipment used in dental and medical care. The metal is also used in many other areas of society, not least in batteries.

Read more about how lead makes its way from our mines to the dentist’s office.

Lead - from mine to dentist

Drive change for future generations

At Boliden, we spend every day exploring how we can improve society for future generations. Through knowledge, technology and innovation we drive the shift that enables a more sustainable mining industry.

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Contact

Boliden Head Office

Boliden Group
Klarabergsviadukten 90
P.O. Box 44, SE-101 20 Stockholm 
Tel: + 46 8 610 15 00
Fax: + 46 8 654 80 90