In nearly 14 years, from 1982 through late 1995, the Government has reduced the quantity of silver held in the stockpile from nearly 4,300 metric tons to less than 1,500 metric tons. In 1995, the average silver price remained essentially unchanged from the previous year. The remaining one-third is in vein deposits in which silver is the most valuable metallic component. Although most recent discoveries have been primarily gold and silver deposits, significant future reserves and resources are expected from major base metal discoveries that contain byproduct silver. Tantalum can be used in place of silver for surgical plates, pins, and sutures.
Stainless steel is an alternate material used widely in the manufacture of table flatware.
Nonsilver batteries being developed may replace silver batteries in some applications. Silverless black and white film, film with reduced silver content, and xerography are alternatives to some uses of silver in photography. Commodity Exchange Inc., New York. Chicago Board of Trade. See Appendix C for definitions.