It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all delegates attending the 10th International Secondary Lead Conference, incorporating the Learning Lead Course 2026. This milestone tenth edition brings together experts and professionals from across the globe to explore one of the most important yet often under-recognised sectors of the non-ferrous metals industry.

Over the past two decades, the secondary lead industry has evolved into a critical contributor to the global metals supply, producing more than 70% of the world’s lead metal and standing as one of the clearest examples of a true circular economy in action. This conference remains the only global forum dedicated exclusively to the secondary lead sector, providing a unique opportunity for industry leaders, technical experts, regulators and stakeholders to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and examine the issues shaping our industry.

Reflecting on the journey since the inaugural conference in Macau nearly two decades ago, we have collectively explored the complexities of secondary lead smelting and refining, uncovering insights that have helped reshape the understanding of this dynamic industry. Along the way, long-held misconceptions have been challenged and corrected, and each conference has contributed to advancing both knowledge and best practice. I am confident that this tenth edition will continue that tradition.

Today, secondary lead has undergone what can best be described as the “maturation” of the industry. Once viewed as secondary to the primary market, it now plays a defining role in pricing, supply and quality within the global lead market. With recycled lead from used lead-acid batteries now valued alongside primary concentrates, the industry has firmly established its importance. With this progress, however, comes responsibility. Maintaining the highest standards in occupational health and safety, environmental stewardship, and responsible recycling practices remains essential as we continue to strengthen our global operations.

Under the guidance of the Program Committee and Key Event Partners, we have developed a comprehensive agenda addressing key facets of the industry. Delegates will hear from global experts on metallurgical advancements, engineering developments, market dynamics, sustainability initiatives such as Lead360, and the regulatory frameworks shaping the industry worldwide.

A distinctive feature of this year’s event is the inclusion of the Learning Lead Course 2026, an integrated training program designed to complement the conference discussions. The course responds to a growing demand within the industry for a structured learning platform that explains the full lifecycle of secondary lead.

Questions often arise when discussing our industry:

Do we melt or smelt lead?
What exactly is inside a lead-acid battery?
Why are used batteries valuable?
How is lead traded and sold globally?
What distinguishes formal from informal recycling sectors?
How do we protect the health and safety of operators?
What are the many uses of lead in modern society?

These and many other questions reflect the complexity of an industry that is vital to global energy storage and recycling systems, yet often misunderstood. The Learning Lead Course 2026 will address these topics and more, offering a comprehensive overview of the secondary lead ecosystem from collection and transportation of used lead-acid batteries, to metallurgy, regulatory frameworks such as the Basel Convention, occupational health and safety considerations, market dynamics, and environmental management.

Delivered by subject-matter experts from around the world, the course is designed for both experienced professionals and those new to the industry. It aims to strengthen the knowledge of current practitioners while providing newcomers with a clear and structured understanding of this complex and essential sector.

Together, the 10th International Secondary Lead Conference and Learning Lead Course 2026 provide a unique opportunity to deepen understanding, exchange ideas, and strengthen global collaboration across the secondary lead community. I am confident that the discussions and insights shared during this event will leave every delegate with a deeper appreciation for the industry’s innovation, resilience and ongoing evolution.

I wish you a productive conference, an engaging learning experience, and an enjoyable time connecting with colleagues from across the global secondary lead community.

Warm regards,

Mark Stevenson
Organising Chair
10th International Secondary Lead Conference
Learning Lead Training Course 2026