|
Forecast
Period
|
2024-2028
|
|
Market
Size (2022)
|
USD 22.68
billion
|
|
CAGR
(2023-2028)
|
5.24%
|
|
Fastest
Growing Segment
|
Glass
Manufacturing
|
|
Largest
Market
|
Asia
Pacific
|
Market Overview
Global Silica Sand Market has valued at USD 22.68
billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast
period with a CAGR of 5.24% through 2028. Silica sand, also known as quartz or
industrial sand, is composed mostly of two elements, silica, and Oxygen. This
sand is utilized in a wide range of applications, including road paving, glass
manufacturing, foundries, and coal-fired boilers, oil and water filtering,
industrial casting, and sandblasting.Moreover, the increasing use of silica in glass
manufacturing is owing to its high chemical purity and strong thermal and
radiation resistance, which significantly enhances the applicability of the
glass. Silica sand provides high transparency across the ultraviolet to
infrared spectral range, making it suitable for various applications such as
crockery and windows. Its effectiveness as a filter medium makes it highly
sought after for filtration purposes in portable water Filters, pool filters,
and sewage treatment plants. Its unique property to retain impurity-containing
precipitates and dirt particles while ensuring adequate filtering makes it an
ideal choice.
Furthermore, silica sand finds extensive usage in
foundries and coal-fired boilers due to its physical and chemical properties.
With a higher melting temperature compared to iron, copper, Aluminum, and other
common metals, it simplifies the preparation of castings. Its excellent
resistance to heat and chemical reactions, combined with its strength and high
quartz concentration, makes it an essential component in the hydraulic
fracturing process. The unique properties of silica sand, including its
strength and homogenous shape and size, make it an excellent filter bed,
yielding desired results and making it the preferred choice.Despite the presence of commonly occurring
impurities, the absence of these impurities in silica sand makes it less
chemically reactive, light in color, pure, and endowed with a vitreous luster.
These qualities make it highly preferred over other types of sand. Additionally,
silica sand is a nonconductor of electricity, diamagnetic, and possesses
remarkable hardness and strength, further expanding its applications in
construction and manufacturing activities, thereby driving market revenue
growth.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Demand of Silica Sand in Construction
Industry
The global silica sand market is experiencing
significant growth, driven by the increasing demand within the construction
industry. This demand is primarily fueled by the ongoing urbanization and
infrastructure development projects taking place worldwide, particularly in
emerging economies. As cities expand and new infrastructure initiatives are
launched, the need for construction materials like silica sand continues to
rise, leading to a surge in its usage in various construction applications.
Silica sand, also known as industrial sand, holds a
pivotal role in the construction sector as one of the most commonly used
materials. It serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of concrete and
glass, which are essential components of modern construction projects.
Additionally, silica sand finds utility in the manufacturing of fillers and
extenders, soil and turf infill, and certain types of specialty glass.
The demand for silica sand is particularly high in fast-growing
economies such as China and India. These countries are witnessing rapid
urbanization and significant infrastructure development, driving the need for
abundant construction materials. Moreover, technological advancements in the
construction sector, like the rising trend of using silica sand in 3D printing
processes, contribute to the increasing demand. Through additive manufacturing,
silica sand acts as a primary raw material for creating molds and cores for
casting metal parts, further fueling its usage.
Furthermore, silica sand plays a role in promoting
sustainable construction practices. An example of this is its use in the
manufacture of eco-friendly bricks, known as "sand-lime" or
"calcium silicate" bricks. By combining silica sand with lime, these
bricks offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional clay
bricks, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly
construction materials.
As the construction industry continues to evolve
and witness advancements, the demand for silica sand is expected to persist and
even grow further. The versatile applications, along with its contribution to
sustainable construction practices, make silica sand an indispensable resource
in the ever-expanding realm of construction materials.
Growing Demand of Silica Sand in Oil and Gas
Industry
Silica sand, commonly known as 'frac sand' in the
oil and gas industry, plays a crucial and indispensable role in the extraction
of oil and natural gas reserves. Particularly in hydraulic fracturing, a
technique employed to access previously inaccessible oil and gas reservoirs, a
high-pressure fluid containing water and sand is injected into underground rock
formations. The immense pressure generated creates fractures within the rocks,
and the sand particles serve as proppants, holding these fractures open to
enable the free flow of oil or gas.
The escalating global energy consumption stands as
a primary catalyst driving the surging demand for silica sand. As populations
continue to grow and economies develop, the need for energy sources such as oil
and gas becomes increasingly paramount. Consequently, this surge in energy
demand further fuels the essential requirement for silica sand, which remains a
fundamental component in the extraction process of these invaluable resources.
Technological advancements are also significantly
contributing to the escalating demand for silica sand. The advent of new
drilling technologies has revolutionized the extraction of oil and gas from
previously untapped or economically unviable locations. These innovative
techniques, often reliant on hydraulic fracturing, intensify the demand for
silica sand as a vital proppant.
While it is imperative to address the environmental
concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing, commendable efforts are already
underway to render the process more sustainable. For instance, various
companies are actively developing and implementing methods to recycle and reuse
the water and sand utilized in fracking operations, thereby reducing the
overall environmental impact. These ongoing endeavors to enhance the
sustainability of oil and gas extraction hold the potential to ensure the
long-term demand for silica sand.
With its unrivaled significance in the oil and gas
industry, silica sand continues to be an indispensable resource,
synergistically meeting the rising global energy needs while concurrently
promoting sustainable extraction practices.
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Key Market Challenges
Environmental Concerns and Regulations
Silica sand mining, a prevalent industry, has
significant environmental impacts that cannot be overlooked. This extractive
activity can lead to the degradation of land, resulting in the loss of vital
ecosystems and the displacement of diverse wildlife. Moreover, the release of
mining by-products can contaminate groundwater, posing a threat to both human
and ecological health.
Furthermore, the process of silica sand mining
contributes to air pollution, as minute particles of silica dust become airborne.
These airborne particles can have detrimental effects on human respiratory
systems and can also settle on nearby vegetation, impairing plant growth and
agricultural productivity.
In response to the environmental concerns
associated with silica sand mining, governments across the globe are taking
necessary steps to implement stricter regulations. These regulations mandate
mining companies to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and
develop robust environmental management plans. Additionally, companies are
required to implement measures to mitigate the negative impacts of their
operations, further ensuring the protection of the environment and local
communities.
While these regulations are crucial for
safeguarding the environment, they also pose challenges to the growth and
expansion of the silica sand market. Compliance with these regulations
increases operational costs for mining companies, making it more difficult to
sustain profitability and hinder the market's potential growth.
Moreover, there is mounting pressure on companies
in the silica sand market to embrace sustainable practices. This includes
adopting eco-friendly mining techniques that minimize habitat disruption and
reduce the consumption of water and energy resources. Additionally, companies
are encouraged to implement measures to restore mined areas, promoting
ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.
While the adoption of sustainable practices can
help mitigate the environmental impact of silica sand mining, it necessitates
significant investment. This financial commitment further adds to operational
costs, posing challenges for companies already navigating a competitive market
landscape.
Key Market Trends
Rising Demand in the Glass Industry
Silica sand, known for its high silica content and
minimal impurities, plays a crucial role as a raw material in glass
manufacturing. Its abundant silicon dioxide content determines the color,
clarity, and strength of the final glass product, making it an indispensable
component in the industry.
The global glass industry is experiencing rapid
expansion, primarily driven by the thriving construction, automotive, and
electronics sectors that heavily rely on glass applications. Moreover, the
growing production of consumer goods, including food and beverage packaging,
household appliances, and personal care products, further fuels the demand for
glass and subsequently amplifies the need for silica sand.
The continuous innovations in glass manufacturing,
such as the development of energy-efficient, self-cleaning, and smart glass,
are expected to significantly contribute to the escalating demand for silica
sand. Additionally, sustainability trends within the glass industry,
encompassing recycling and lightweighting, necessitate the utilization of
high-quality silica sand to ensure the production of lightweight,
high-strength, and recyclable glass products.
While the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
resulted in a decline in demand due to reduced consumer spending and travel
restrictions, the market is now witnessing a rebound as economies recover and
businesses gradually reopen. Notably, the increased installation of glass
barriers in public spaces as a safety measure during the pandemic has further
stimulated the resurgence of the glass industry and, consequently, the silica
sand market.
Segmental Insights
Grade Insights
Based on the category of grade A, the epoxy segment
emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Silica Sand in 2022. Grade
A silica sand, with its purity ranging from 99.5% to 99.9%, stands as a
testament to its exceptional quality. This superior grade of silica sand has
become the preferred choice for various industries, thanks to its unrivaled
purity and performance. Take, for example, the glass industry, which held the
largest market share in 2021; it heavily relies on the use of high-quality
silica sand to produce clear, strong, and durable glass products that meet the
highest standards.
Beyond the glass industry, high-grade silica sand
plays a critical role in technological advancements that shape today's digital
age. It finds extensive use in the manufacturing of fiber optics and electronics,
both of which are integral to the seamless functioning of modern communication
systems. Moreover, the production of solar panels, a sector experiencing
substantial growth due to the global shift towards renewable energy, heavily
relies on high-purity silica sand. The exceptional properties of this silica
sand contribute to the efficiency and performance of solar panels, making them
a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy for the future.
Application Insights
The Glass Manufacturing segment is projected to
experience rapid growth during the forecast period. According to the National
Institute Sand Association (NISA), the production of glass involves the
utilization of a diverse range of commodities. Silica, in particular, accounts
for over 70% of the final weight of the glass. Within the glass industry,
various segments exist, including flat glass, fiberglass insulation, specialty
glass, container glass, and more. Flat glass finds widespread application in
automotive and construction sectors, while container glass is commonly used in
the food and beverage industry, as well as tableware applications.
The market for glass is expected to experience
significant growth during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to
the increasing investments and expansions in response to the growing demand
from these sectors. The continuous advancements in technology and the rising
focus on sustainability are also driving the market's growth, as glass is
considered an eco-friendlier alternative in many applications.
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Regional Insights
Asia Pacific emerged as the dominant player in the Global
Silica Sand Market in 2022, holding the largest market share in terms of value.
Silica sand, a key component in various chemicals such as sodium silicate,
silicon tetrachloride, and silicon gels, plays a crucial role in the production
of a wide range of materials. From household to industrial cleaners, fiber
optics, and the removal of impurities from cooking oil and brewed beverages,
these chemicals are indispensable.
Furthermore, the market growth rate is set to
escalate due to the growing investments and expansions in the fiber optic
manufacturing sector, driven by the rising demand from 5G rollout. In December
2020, Sterlite Technologies announced its plans to invest $40.3 million in
India to expand the fiber optic manufacturing facility, aiming to meet the
increasing demand.
Moreover, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB) announced in November 2019 its investment of up to $2.5 billion in urban
transport projects, including Metro commuter-rail networks and radial roads,
contributing to New Delhi's Smart City initiative. This significant investment
is expected to drive the growth of the silica sand market.
In addition, industrial sand plays a vital role in
deep well applications, where it is pumped down holes to prop open rock
fissures, increasing the flow rate of natural gas or oil. With the Indian oil
and natural gas sector projected to witness an investment of US$ 206 billion in
the next eight to ten years, the opportunities for the silica sand market are
promising. In December 2020, The Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) announced plans
to invest US$ 228.81 million in new projects in Andhra Pradesh, including petro
products infrastructure and LPG storage facilities, further complementing the
growth of the silica sand market.
Recent Developments
- On 27 June 2022, Sibelco, a global material
solutions company, announced a significant investment of over USD 33,800,000 in
Diatreme Resources Limited, an emerging Australian developer of mineral and
silica mines. This strategic collaboration aims to cater to the rapidly
expanding Asian markets for solar PV, engineered stone, and various other
applications. By expanding access to high-quality silica sand sources across
the world, Sibelco reaffirms its commitment to becoming the leading provider of
silica sand globally.
- On 20 January 2022, Suvo Strategic Minerals, a
renowned manufacturer and exploration business specializing in hydrous Kaolin,
made an exciting announcement. The company declared its intention to acquire
the White Hill silica sand asset located in Western Australia. This strategic
move positions Suvo Strategic Minerals to provide premium-grade materials that
meet the stringent requirements of industries such as specialty glass for solar
panels, mobile phones, and high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
With a steadfast focus on quality and innovation, Suvo Strategic Minerals is
poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of these high-end
industries.
Key Market Players
- Badger Mining Corporation
- Chongqing
Changjiang River Moulding Material (Group) Co. Ltd.
- Covia
Holdings LLC
- Euroquarz
GmbH (Possehl Group)
- JFE
Mineral & Alloy Company Ltd. (JFE Holdings Inc.)
- Manley
Bros. of Indiana Inc.
- Mitsubishi
Corporation
- Quarzwerke
GmbH
- Tochu
Corporation
- SCR-Sibelco
NV
|
By Grade
|
By
Application
|
By Region
|
|
|
- Glass
Manufacturing
- Foundry
- Hydraulic
Fracturing
- Chemical
Production
- Construction
- Paints &
Coatings
- Ceramics
& Refractories
- Others
|
- North
America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South
America
- Middle East
& Africa
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Global Silica Sand Market has
been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry
trends which have also been detailed below:
- Silica Sand Market, By Grade:
o A
o B
o C
o D
o E
o F
o Others
- Silica Sand Market, By Application:
o Glass Manufacturing
o Foundry
o Hydraulic Fracturing
o Chemical Production
o Construction
o Paints & Coatings
o Ceramics & Refractories
o Others
- Silica Sand Market, By Region:
o North America
§ United States
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ France
§ United Kingdom
§ Italy
§ Germany
§ Spain
o Asia-Pacific
§ China
§ India
§ Japan
§ Australia
§ South Korea
o South America
§ Brazil
§ Argentina
§ Colombia
o Middle East & Africa
§ South Africa
§ Saudi Arabia
§ UAE
§ Kuwait
§ Turkey
§ Egypt
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global
Silica Sand Market.
Available Customizations:
Global Silica Sand Market report with the given
market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's
specific needs. The following customization options are available for the
report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional
market players (up to five).
Global Silica Sand Market is an upcoming report to
be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to
confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]