Raw material recycling: ranges

[desrt2]

I thought about 2 things that might also have an effect on ammo production besides the obvious:

1.) availability of raw materials, and
2.) existing or impending regulation of raw materials or the methods in which they are mined.

From an article on the 2nd quarter of last year, use of lead in industrial batteries are increasing and mining isn't keeping pace with demand; 10% increase from previous year and about 5% increase in other demands.

More electric cars, bikes and scooters.

[CrippledPidgeon]

Do any ranges, "mine" their lanes and backstops for led and copper? Firing line for brass?

In a word, yes.

The range that I worked at would have a recycling company come in to remove lead from the backstops twice a year (in a process that usually took two days), and brass about 4 times. I worked at a pretty popular range, so the amount of lead removed per session was usually measured in 50 gallon drums.