Not sure on those exact numbers since the page you link states 3,644 mined and 1,237 recycled in 2023, but I graphed production as a percentage of supply and you're right: it's basically 2%. Given this stability from 10 tons/yr to the recent 3,600 tons/yr, you have to wonder whether that's a free market decision. If not, then we still have the question of why 2%.https://image.nostr.build/9abe7379daa180ae980b1326d61faa9f84e315aa78058ca4e6e5a3f5c4955c4f.png 

 Seems to expand with the size of the economy that uses it. Or something. No idea. 😂🤷‍♀️ 

 I agree: the best way to find reliable truths is using the scientific method, but history is not a repeatable experiment.