Sulphuric acid, the world's leading chemical

Sulphuric acid is the most-produced chemical in the world, about 260 million tonnes a year, and a barometer of industrial activity: phosphate fertilisers, hydrometallurgy of battery metals, the sulphate process for TiO2. Most now comes from sulphur recovered from oil refining and ore roasting; an energy transition that reduces refining would therefore, paradoxically, tighten this captive supply.