According to a report published in 2022, approximately 2.8 billion tonnes of metals were mined worldwide in 2021. Industries such as construction and steelmaking account for a significant portion of metal consumption. These sectors rely heavily on metals like steel, aluminum, and copper for various applications. For example, the building and infrastructure segment alone utilized 52 percent of the steel produced globally. Additionally, the automotive industry is a major consumer of metals, where steel and aluminum are used extensively for vehicle manufacturing.

In terms of specific metals, copper is widely used in electrical systems, with global demand projected to increase. Nickel is essential in stainless steel production, while aluminum finds applications in transportation, packaging, and construction.