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Which mineral is the main source of lead production worldwide?

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A periodic table element box for lead (Pb) shows atomic number 82, atomic weight 207.2, electron configuration, and labels for symbol, name, crystal structure, and physical state, with a legend for color and symbol meanings. — lead Properties of lead.

The primary mineral source for lead production worldwide is galena, a lead sulfide mineral (PbS).12

While there are more than 60 known lead-containing minerals, galena is by far the most important. It is frequently found in association with other minerals, such as zinc blende, and often contains other valuable metals like silver, which can sometimes make the ore more economically significant as a source of silver than lead.13

Other commercially relevant lead minerals include cerussite (lead carbonate) and anglesite (lead sulfate), which are considered secondary minerals because they typically form through the natural weathering of galena. Together, these three minerals account for more than 95 percent of all mined lead. It is also important to note that nearly half of the world's refined lead supply is obtained through the recycling of scrap materials, particularly reclaimed batteries.12