THE SILVER STRATEGY: 10 KEY REASONS TO INVEST IN PHYSICAL SILVER

#7 Industrial Demand for Silver: The Lifeblood of Modern Technology Silver is more than just a precious metal; it is a cornerstone of modern industry, essential in a myriad of applications that touch our daily lives. From the gadgets we use to the medical devices that save lives, silver's role is indispensable, even if it's often invisible to the naked eye. Renowned for its unparalleled electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflective properties, silver is a unique material with a range of applications that continue to expand. These exceptional characteristics have positioned silver as a critical component in numerous industries, driving a significant portion of its demand. In fact, industrial uses now account for

more than half of the global silver demand. *** Key Industrial Applications of Silver 1. **Electronics:** Silver is a vital element in the electronics industry. Each smartphone, for example, contains approximately one-third of a gram of silver. With billions of smartphones sold globally each year, the cumulative demand for silver is immense. Between 2017 and 2019, over 5.75 billion smartphones were sold, requiring an estimated 57.49 million ounces of silver.

2. **Electric Vehicles (EVs):** The rise of electric vehicles has significantly boosted the demand for silver. Each EV uses between 25 to 50 grams of silver, nearly double the amount used in traditional combustion engines. This surge is due to silver's critical role in battery technology and electrical connections within these vehicles. With global initiatives pushing for greener transportation solutions, the production of EVs is set to accelerate dramatically, making the automotive industry one of the largest consumers of silver. 3. **5G Technology:** The rollout of 5G networks is another major driver of silver demand. 5G technology relies heavily on silver due to its superior conductivity. The infrastructure required for 5G networks, including antennas, circuit boards, and semiconductors, uses substantial amounts of silver. As 5G technology becomes the global standard, the demand for silver in this sector is expected to skyrocket, further solidifying its role in the future of telecommunications. 4. **Solar Panels:** Silver's role in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar panels, is substantial. The use of silver in photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity, has surged since 2006. In 2023 photovoltaics consumed 142 million ounces of silver, or up 13.8% of total silver worldwide according to the Silver Institute. Bloomberg estimates by 2030 solar panels will consume 20% of total silver demand given trend projections.