KGHM the world's top silver producer

The mining industry leader from the Copper Belt has stayed in the first place in the list of ‘world’s largest silver mines’ in the World Silver Survey 2024. In the ‘largest silver producers’ category, KGHM is again ranked second in the global ranking.

‘For years, we have been one of the largest and most important silver producers in the industry. Our strong position in the global market is due not only to the volume of production - silver bearing the KGHM mark is distinguished by quality that is appreciated by customers around the world. Such excellent results are the result of the excellent work of the staff,’ said Andrzej Szydło, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

KGHM Polska Miedź produces approximately 1200 tonnes of silver annually and has for many years been one of the world’s largest silver producers. The company sells silver in the form of pigs and pellets. The metal is supplied in the form of pellets to factories that manufacture materials for jewellery and to metal works that manufacture silver-containing alloys. Silver in the form of pigs goes mainly to financial institutions.

Silver production at KGHM

KGHM’s silver production takes place at the Głogów Smelter and Refinery, where the Precious Metals Division has been operating since 1993. It was created specifically to recover the precious metals - silver and gold - present in copper ore. These are found in the so-called 'black mud', i.e. the anode slime produced during the electrorefining of copper. Metallic silver in pellet form is produced from cathode silver with Ag content of more than 99.99 per cent. 

Properties of silver

Due to its unique physical properties, silver is used in jewellery, electronics, electrical engineering, medicine, optics, energy production and many other sectors. It also has applications in cutting-edge technologies, including in infrastructure, the automotive industry and photovoltaics. Overall, industry consumes about 40 percent of the world’s silver production. It is also a valued investment precious metal.

Interesting facts about silver:

• In nature, silver is rarely found as a pure metal - it occurs most often in the form of compounds with ores of copper, lead, zinc or gold;
• It has unique physical properties - it is ductile and malleable, with a shiny sheen;
• It is characterized by the highest electrical and thermal conductivity;
• It has the brightest colour;
• As early as in ancient times, it was valued as a precious metal for jewellery making and as currency;
• Today, silver is used in the production, among other things, of electrical and electronic equipment, filmstrips and panels, mirrors, and musical instruments;
• Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it has even found application in medicine, in the production of surgical instruments and medicines. 

For many years, KGHM has supported the International Goldsmithing Art Competition organised by the Art Gallery in Legnica as part of the SILVER Festival.  The company donates 5 kg of silver granules as prizes for the winners of the competition. To illustrate the significance of the award, it can be said that a goldsmith can make, for example, 1,000 wedding rings, 500 pairs of earrings or 250 bracelets from 5 kg of silver.

International ranking of silver producers

The ‘World Silver Survey’ report is one of the most important annual reports that publishes a list of the largest silver producers. It is prepared by a team of global metals market analysts.