Galena is a mineral consisting mainly of lead and sulphur. It is the main source of lead, which is used in applications like lead-acid batteries, radiation protection and lead alloys. Galena mining has serious side-effects, however, including soil and water pollution, health risks from exposure to lead, and hazardous working conditions. Sustainable alternatives such as the recycling of lead from discarded batteries and the development of alternative batteries are vital in order to reduce the negative impact of galena mining.
Galena (lead sulphide). Courtesy of the Laboratory for Material Culture Studies, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University.
Product made with lead: Lead piping: It is possible to suffer lead poisoning in the Netherlands by drinking water from lead piping over a long period of time. Lead piping was often used before 1960. Water pipes are now made of plastic.
Gold is a rare precious metal with unique properties. It is resistant to corrosion, for example.
Silver is a precious metal known for its electrical conductivity and reflective properties.
Mica is a mineral that is used in cosmetics, because of its lustre, and in electronics because of its ins