The relationship between a country's wealth and its metal use is complex and not straightforward. While it is often assumed that as a country's wealth grows, its metal use will also increase, this is not necessarily the case.

A study published in the journal "Nature Sustainability" analyzed the metal use of 166 countries over a period of 25 years. The study found that while the total amount of metal used by countries increased overall during this period, the metal intensity (the amount of metal used per unit of GDP) actually decreased in many countries.

This suggests that as countries become wealthier, they tend to become more efficient in their use of metals. This could be due to a number of factors, such as improvements in technology, changes in consumption patterns, and the adoption of more sustainable practices.

The study also found that the metal intensity of a country's economy is influenced by a number of other factors, such as its population density, its level of urbanization, and its trade policies.

Overall, the study suggests that the relationship between a country's wealth and its metal use is complex and not linear. While metal use may increase overall as a country's wealth grows, the metal intensity of the economy may actually decrease.