old lead in shipwrecks

[Thucydides]

I recently saw a tv show about divers trying to get lead ingots out of a shipwreck. This lead was somehow "depleted" (protons taken away or something of the sort) and was highly valuable in electronics or computers.
What is this lead called? how old does it have to be? what is it worth if you find it? What is it actually used for and why is it valuable?

[Salvor6]

Its called "low alpha lead" and it was made before the nuclear era. This was discussed here last year and FISHEYE has all the info on it.

[old man]

Fisheye, I've been reading that you are the expert in getting a fair price for low alpha lead. Give me a call, the old number I have for you is not working.

I'd also like to ask Jeff K. how much Odyssey was getting per pound for low alpha lead ? PM with the info, I would appreciate it.

I'd also like to hear from anyone else that has found low alpha lead on a shipwreck and what their experience was in finding a buyer for it, at a fair price.

[jeff k]

Ed... I have no idea if Odyssey ever sold low alpha lead. I don't believe they ever salvaged the lead from the wreck they found off England.

[FISHEYE]

Low alpha lead hasnt been used to make any electronics in the past 7 years due to a ban on lead in solder.Now all they used is PB free solder.About all its good for now is fishing weights.I just got off the phone with one of the biggest Manufacturers of low alpha lead, lead alloys, and lead-free alloys for the semiconductor industry.They said they are sitting on 30 tons of it and cant do anything with it.Nor do they want to buy any more nor do they know anyone that needs any.

Maybe you can contact your state people where you are and get them to pay you to salvage the lead due to that its poison for the water and underwater sea life.Then make fishing weights out of it all.


I do have a good friend that knows the president of a major Japanese electronics company,i forwarded him all the info that he needs to ask the pres if they buy the lead or still use it.