Metalloid, group 16
What is tellurium? Properties, uses, supply and price
Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid (atomic number 52) recovered from copper refining residues, with 70% of use in cadmium telluride solar cells. China refines about 80% of supply.
Facts from USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 · reviewed 28 October 2026
Tellurium key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol, atomic number | Te, 52 |
| Group | Metalloid, group 16 |
| Main source | Copper anode slimes (>90%) |
| World refinery output, 2025 | About 1,000 t; China 80% |
| End uses | Solar 70%, thermoelectrics 15%, metallurgy 10% |
| Chinese export licence | From February 2025 (about 45 days) |
Where tellurium comes from
Tied to copper refining
More than 90% of tellurium is produced from anode slimes in primary electrolytic copper refining; the rest comes from lead refinery skimmings and smelter flue dusts. Two US copper refineries, in Texas and Utah, produce copper telluride that is exported for processing. Chinese tellurium output grew with copper anode capacity, which more than doubled in a decade.
What tellurium is used for
| End use | Weight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Solar cells (CdTe) | 70% | Thin-film modules |
| Thermoelectric devices (BiTe) | 15% | Cooling and power generation |
| Metallurgy | 10% | Machining additive in steel, copper alloys |
| Other | 5% | Rubber, catalysts, glass pigments |
Substitutes and recycling
Substitutes
Amorphous silicon and copper indium gallium diselenide compete with cadmium telluride in thin-film solar; bismuth selenide and organic polymers can replace bismuth telluride in some thermoelectric devices (USGS).
Recycling
Tellurium is recycled from CdTe solar cells in the US, but the quantity is limited because most cells have not reached end of life.
Policy and supply security
Chinese controls
From February 2025 Chinese exporters must verify end users and end uses for tellurium shipments; licences typically take 45 days and a new one is needed for any change of recipient. USGS links the controls to an 84% rise in the average European price in 2025.
Dated events and export-control steps are on the China export-control timeline.
Tellurium: frequently asked questions
What is tellurium used for?
Cadmium telluride thin-film solar modules (70%), bismuth telluride thermoelectric devices (15%), and metallurgical additives (10%).
Is tellurium a metal?
It is a metalloid, with properties between metals and non-metals.
How much does tellurium cost?
The reference price is $132.00 per kg as of 27 October 2026, −39.89% year to date.
Related elements
Sources
Information only, not investment advice. Reviewed 28 October 2026.