개요
광업용 화학제품 세계 시장은 2023년 105억 9,000만 달러, 2031년에는 146억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상되며, 2024-2031년간 연평균 4.1%의 성장률을 보일 것으로 전망됩니다.
광업용 화학제품은 광석에서 귀중한 광물의 추출, 분리, 정제와 같은 다양한 공정을 촉진하기 위해 광업에서 사용되는 특수 화학물질입니다. 화합물은 광물 부양, 용매 추출 및 침출과 같은 절차를 지원하여 채굴 활동의 효과를 높이는 데 필수적입니다. 광산 화학 물질은 많은 광산 시나리오에서 억제제로 사용됩니다.
세계 광업용 화학제품 시장은 특히 신흥국에서의 채굴 활동 증가와 건설, 자동차, 전자 등 산업에서 광물 및 금속에 대한 수요 증가에 힘입어 성장세를 보이고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 세계금위원회에 따르면 2022년 세계 광산 생산량은 200억 톤에 육박할 것으로 예상됩니다. 아시아태평양, 북미, 남미 등의 지역이 시장 성장에 크게 기여하고 있습니다.
세계 철강 및 알루미늄 생산량 증가
세계 철강 및 알루미늄 생산량 증가가 광업용 화학제품 수요를 견인하고 있습니다. 이들 산업은 광업을 통해 채취되는 원자재에 크게 의존하고 있기 때문입니다. 세계철강협회에 따르면, 2023년 세계 조강 생산량은 71개 보고 국가에서 1억 3,570만 톤에 달할 것으로 예상되며, 이는 철광석 및 관련 광업 활동에 대한 강력한 수요를 반영합니다.
또한 국제 알루미늄 협회의 보고서에 따르면 알루미늄 생산량은 2023년 말까지 7,059만 톤에 달하고, 2022년 대비 2.25% 증가할 것으로 예상했습니다. 생산량의 급증은 지속적인 채굴 작업의 필요성을 강조하고 광물 추출, 가공 및 선광에 사용되는 특수 화학 물질에 대한 수요를 증가시킬 것입니다.
기술의 발전
광업용 화학제품에 대한 수요는 보다 효과적인 처리와 귀중한 광물의 높은 회수율을 가능하게 하는 첨단 방법의 개발, 폐기물 감소 및 채굴 활동의 지속가능성 향상으로 인해 증가할 것으로 예상됩니다.
예를 들어, 호주의 경우, 호주 연방과학산업연구기구(CSIRO)는 7백만 달러를 투자하여 드릴 코어 전문 연구개발을 통해 탐사 및 추출 방법을 강화함으로써 광업 화학 부문의 기술 혁신을 추진하고 있습니다.
긴 인허가 과정과 환경 문제
광업용 화학제품 시장은 장기화되는 허가 절차와 규제 장벽으로 인해 상당한 제약을 받고 있습니다. 미국 등에서는 채굴 허가 취득에 7-10년이라는 긴 시간이 소요될 수 있으며, 이로 인해 프로젝트가 지연되어 원하는 일정에 맞추어 프로젝트를 완료하는 데 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. 이러한 장기간의 지연은 투자에 대한 불확실성을 야기하고, 채굴 사업의 성장을 저해하며, 결국 채굴용 화학물질의 필요성에 영향을 미칩니다.
또한 환경 문제로 인해 여러 지역에서 인허가가 취소되고 프로젝트가 중단되고 있습니다. 세르비아에서는 리오 틴토의 리튬 광산 운영 허가가 환경 파괴에 대한 대규모 시위로 인해 취소되었습니다. 이러한 조치는 현재 프로젝트를 연기할 뿐만 아니라 향후 광산 투자를 방해하고 광산 화학제품 시장 확대를 더욱 제한할 것입니다.
Overview
Global Mining Chemicals Market reached US$ 10.59 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 14.60 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.1 % during the forecast period 2024-2031.
Mining chemicals are specialized chemicals used in the mining industry to facilitate various processes such as the extraction, separation and purification of valuable minerals from ores. The compounds are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of mining activities by assisting in procedures like mineral flotation, solvent extraction and leaching. The Mining Chemicals Products are utilized in numerous mining scenarios as inhibitors.
The global mining chemicals market is driven by increasing mining activities, especially in emerging economies and the growing demand for minerals and metals in industries such as construction, automotive and electronics. For instance, according to the World Gold Council, the total global production volume of mines in 2022 amounted to nearly 20 billion metric tons. Regions like Asia-Pacific, North America and South America are significant contributors to market growth.
Increasing Global Steel and Aluminum Production
The growth in global steel and aluminum production is driving the demand for mining chemicals, as these industries rely heavily on raw materials extracted through mining. According to the World Steel Association, in 2023, world crude steel production for 71 reporting countries reached 135.7 million tonnes, reflecting strong demand for iron ore and related mining activities.
Similarly, the International Aluminum Institute reported that aluminum production reached 70.59 million metric tonnes by the end of 2023, marking a 2.25% increase from 2022. The surge in production highlights the need for continuous mining operations, which in turn boosts the demand for specialized chemicals used in mineral extraction, processing and beneficiation.
Technological Advancements
The need for mining chemicals is projected to increase due to the development of advanced methods that allow for more effective processing and higher recovery rates of valuable minerals, as well as a decrease in waste and an improvement in sustainability in mining activities.
For instance, in Australia, the development of a US$ 7 million specialized drill core lab by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), which is advancing innovation in the mining chemicals sector through enabling enhanced exploration and extraction methods.
Lengthy Permit Processes and Environmental Concerns
The mining chemicals market is significantly hindered by prolonged permit procedures and regulatory obstacles. In places such as US, acquiring mining permits can require a lengthy process of seven to ten years, leading to delays that impede project completion within desired timelines. The prolonged timeline creates ambiguity for investments and hinders the growth of mining operations, which in turn affects the need for mining chemicals.
Furthermore, environmental issues have resulted in permits being revoked and projects being called off in various areas. In Serbia, Rio Tinto's authorization to operate a lithium mine was withdrawn due to extensive demonstrations against environmental hazards. The actions not only postpone present projects but also hinder future investments in mining, further limiting market expansion for mining chemicals.
The global mining chemicals market is segmented based on product, mineral, application and region.
Growing Demand for Flocculants to Minimize Ecological Footprint
The mining industry's increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is driving the demand for flocculants. As more minerals are extracted, the industry faces significant challenges in managing the resulting wastewater and tailings. The rising use of water in mining operations exacerbates the production of waste streams, necessitating effective solutions for solid-liquid separation.
Flocculants play a crucial role in this process by binding and settling particles, enabling more efficient dewatering of waste streams. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the overall efficiency of mining operations. As regulatory pressures mount and the industry seeks to minimize its ecological footprint, the adoption of flocculants is expected to grow.
The chemicals are essential for meeting stringent environmental standards by improving waste management practices and reducing water usage in mining activities. With the global push towards sustainable mining practices, the demand for flocculants is likely to see continued growth, making them a vital component in the broader mining chemicals market.
Ambitious Targets and Infrastructure Investments in Europe Region
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in the mining chemicals market, driven by the region's dominant role in global mineral production. According to US Geological Survey's 2022 report, China supplied 25 non-fuel mineral commodities in 2021 and is a major producer of 16 critical minerals. The region heavily depends on mining chemicals to improve extraction, processing and beneficiation effectiveness, as demonstrated by its substantial mineral production.
Government-led efforts, for instance, Coal India's strategy to start working at five new mines and increase the size of 16 current ones, also drive up the need for mining chemicals, especially those utilized in coal extraction and processing. Major mining companies such as Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Jiangxi Copper Co Ltd, Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd and BHP are based in the region.
The extensive mining and mineral production operations of these companies require advanced chemicals to facilitate different aspects of the mining process. With the ongoing industrialization in the region and increasing need for raw materials, the mining chemicals market is set for strong growth due to large mining operations and efforts to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The major global players in the market include 3M, AECI Mining, Clariant, Dow, Kimleigh Chemicals SA, Mining Chemicals South Africa, Nouryon, SNF Group, Solenis and Solvay.
Sustainability Analysis
The mining chemicals industry is experiencing a significant move towards sustainability, driven by advancements in green chemistry and higher regulatory demands. Businesses are creating eco-friendly mining chemicals to reduce the negative impacts of conventional products such as cyanide and mercury. For instance, BASF has launched Rheomax ETD, a range of mining chemicals made from sustainable sources that can break down naturally, effectively lessening the environmental effects of mining activities.
The market is now focusing on sustainable mining practices to minimize the environmental impact of operations. For example, Newmont Mining's water management system enables the recycling and reutilization of water, reducing freshwater usage by as much as 26%. Such activities are resulting in less use of dangerous chemicals and improved handling of waste. The increasing focus on sustainability by companies is projected to boost the market for environmentally-friendly mining chemicals, leading to a shift towards more sustainable solutions.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact
The mining chemicals market has been notably affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, mainly due to interruptions in mineral supply chains and heightened geopolitical insecurity. As Russia is one of the three leading exporters of diamonds, gold, precious metals (PGMs) and nickel, there is projected to be a significant impact on the mining company's distribution chain. It is also a leading supplier of merchant shipping and met coal, iron ore and aluminum to European markets.
Coal, iron ore and uranium supplies are all anticipated to be disrupted in Ukraine. The dispute has resulted in interruptions in the distribution of these vital minerals and chemicals, resulting in scarcities and fluctuations in prices within the market. Moreover, the conflict has increased the importance of businesses looking for different sources and pathways for mining chemicals, leading to changes in market dynamics and encouraging innovation.
The scenario led to a reassessment of worldwide supply chains and a heightened emphasis on obtaining more dependable and varied suppliers of mining chemicals. The continuous strife highlights the necessity of geopolitical stability for ensuring a reliable supply and cost efficiency of mining chemicals on a global scale.
Grinding Aids
Flocculants
Frothers
Collectors
Depressants
Others
Metallic
Non-Metallic
Mineral Processing
Explosives and Drilling
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Others
Region
North America
US
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa
In July 2024, Solenis announced its strategic decision to improve its offerings in the mining chemicals sector through the acquisition of BASF's flocculants business, known for its focus on mining applications. The acquisition marks a notable growth for Solenis, allowing the firm to offer a complete solution to its clients in the mining and mineral processing industries.
In February 20224, Orica, a global leader in mining services, announced its acquisition of Cyanco, a prominent US-based manufacturer and distributor of sodium cyanide, for US$640 million. The strategic move aligns with Orica's broader growth strategy, extending its reach beyond traditional blasting services into the mining chemicals sector.
In May 2023, Nalco Water, a subsidiary of Ecolab, announced the acquisition of Flottec, a prominent provider of flotation products and services for the mineral processing industry. This strategic move aims to expand Nalco Water's portfolio of flotation solutions and strengthen its position in the mineral processing market.
To visualize the global mining chemicals market segmentation based on product, mineral, application and region.
Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the mining chemicals market with all segments.
PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global mining chemicals market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 55 figures and 220 pages.
Target Audience 2024
Manufacturers/ Buyers
Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
Research Professionals
Emerging Companies