Silver production refers to the process of extracting silver from ore, which is a naturally occurring mineral containing silver. This process typically involves mining, where silver is obtained from both primary sources, such as silver mines, and secondary sources, like recycling silver from old jewelry and electronics. The extracted silver is then refined to remove impurities, resulting in pure silver ready for various applications. The leading countries in silver production include Mexico, Peru, and China, which contribute significantly to the global supply. Silver is used in various industries, including electronics, photography, and jewelry, making it an essential metal in the global market.