The ceramic proppants sector is poised to emerge as a significant market for non-metallurgical bauxite. A notable portion, exceeding 20%, of the entire non-metallurgical bauxite is currently utilized in refractories, both directly and through brown fused alumina. The escalating focus on extracting unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, particularly in North America and China, is expected to drive a substantial increase in the demand for calcined bauxite, a crucial component in the production of ceramic proppants.
Traditionally, the majority of proppants have been crafted from naturally occurring, rounded quartz sands. However, the landscape is evolving with the growing prominence of ceramic proppants, especially in regions like North America and China. These areas are actively expanding their efforts in extracting unconventional gas reserves, exemplified by projects like the Sulige tight sandstone gas field in Inner Mongolia. Ceramic proppants offer distinct advantages, particularly in high-pressure drilling scenarios, owing to their higher crush strength compared to natural sand proppants.
The anticipated surge in ceramic proppant consumption aligns with the strategic goals of North America and China, both of which are intensifying their endeavors in unconventional oil and gas exploration. This heightened demand for calcined bauxite in the production of ceramic proppants underscores the pivotal role that non-metallurgical bauxite is poised to play in the evolving energy landscape.
While the non-metallurgical markets for bauxite and alumina are substantial entities in their own right, they are often discussed in the context of the much larger aluminum feedstock industry. Despite the fact that non-metallurgical grades are frequently specialized and command higher prices, the focus on aluminum feedstock provides a broader perspective on the interconnected nature of these markets. The application of non-metallurgical bauxite in ceramic proppants further underscores its versatility and significance across various industries, ranging from refractories to energy exploration.
In conclusion, the trajectory of the ceramic proppants industry is set to elevate non-metallurgical bauxite to a prominent position in the market. The increasing demand for calcined bauxite in ceramic proppant production, driven by unconventional oil and gas exploration, highlights the evolving dynamics of the energy sector. As regions like North America and China intensify their efforts in extracting unconventional gas reserves, non-metallurgical bauxite emerges as a crucial component, showcasing its adaptability and importance in diverse industrial applications.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market Opportunities | The increasing use of hi-tech, specialist applications |
Market Dynamics | Increasing demand from end-use industries |
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Over the next few years, it is anticipated that the ceramic proppants industry will grow to be a significant market for non-metallurgical bauxite. More than 20% of the entire non-metallurgical bauxite was used in refractories, both directly and through brown fused alumina. As North America and China aim to increase the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, the need for calcined bauxite in the production of ceramic proppants is anticipated to increase significantly.
Figure 1: U.S. Imports Of Crude And Dried Bauxite, By Country (Metric Tons)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The majority of proppants are made from naturally occurring, rounded quartz sands. Ceramic proppants are more suited to high-pressure drilling scenarios than natural sand proppants because they have a higher crush strength. Consumption of ceramic proppant is projected to rise, especially in China and North America, where unorthodox gas reserves are currently being developed, including the Sulige tight sandstone gas field in Inner Mongolia. Although the non-metallurgical markets for bauxite and alumina are sizable in and of themselves, they are frequently mentioned in relation to the considerably larger industry of aluminum feedstock. This is true despite the fact that non-metallurgical grades are frequently far more specialized and expensive goods.
Further, the rise in construction activity with the growing population is increasing the demand for construction materials such as cement, glass, ceramics, metal, and others. Thus, the rising consumption of non-metallurgical in various end-use industries is expected to increase the growth of the non-metallurgical alumina market revenue over the forthcoming years.
The global non-metallurgical alumina market segmentation, based on type, includes calcined alumina and alumina trihydrate. The alumina trihydrate segment held the majority share in 2021 contributing to around ~59.90% with respect to the global non-metallurgical alumina market revenue. This is primarily owing to the rising construction activities along with the high demand for energy in the industrial sector are expected to propel market growth. For instance, as per the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in November 2022, around 1,342,000 privately‐owned housing units received building permits, and 1,427,000 housing units started construction in the United States. The growing construction activity owing to the rise in population is accelerating the growth of non-metallurgical alumina during the forecast period.
Figure 2: Global Non-Metallurgical Alumina Market, by Type, 2021 & 2030 (USD Million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Based on Application, the global non-metallurgical alumina industry has been segmented into refractories, abrasives, ceramics, aluminum sulfate, ATH fire retardant, and others. The refractories held the largest segment share in 2021, owing to the rise in private as well as public investments in infrastructural sectors. Non-metallurgical bauxite is in high demand for refractories.
The second fastest-growing segment in the non-metallurgical alumina industry is ceramics. Population growth continued industrialization, and the challenge to meet global demand for special commodity products are expected to play a key role in shaping the ceramics sector.
By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific non-metallurgical alumina market accounted for USD 946.87 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a 7.06 % CAGR during the study period. The growing infrastructure development in emerging economies has led to a strong increase in the demand for commodities like cement, slag conditioners, and alumina-based compounds.
For instance, India's non-metallurgical alumina market is among the fastest growing market as India is one of the largest emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the Ministry of Mines, bauxite production in India recorded 75.11 Lakh tonne in 2022, the highest ever bauxite production as compared to the previous year. Hence, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest growth rate over the forecast period from 2022–2030.
Further, the major countries studied are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 3: GLOBAL NON-METALLURGICAL ALUMINA MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
North America's non-metallurgical alumina market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the rising infrastructure activities along with high demand from refractories. Further, the US non-metallurgical alumina market held the largest market share, and the Canadian non-metallurgical alumina market also holds a significant market share in the North American region.
The Europe non-metallurgical alumina market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.41% from 2022 to 2030. This is due to growing industrialization, along with rapid demand for non-metallurgical alumina for various applications. Moreover, the German non-metallurgical alumina market held the largest market share, and the France non-metallurgical alumina market was the fastest-growing market in the European region
Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the non-metallurgical alumina market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the non-metallurgical alumina industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global non-metallurgical alumina industry to benefit clients and expand the non-metallurgical alumina market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, non-metallurgical alumina has come up with various features with some of the most significant benefits.
In July 2022, Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco) acquires a 19% Stake in Yunnan Aluminium. After the transaction, Chalco is the largest shareholder of Yunnan Aluminium, holding 29.10% of the shares.
In October 2021, Alcoa of Australia Limited (AoA), a subsidiary of Alcoa Corporation formed a joint venture with Western Australia-based FYI Resources Ltd for development activities to produce high-purity alumina, or HPA to enter the growing high-purity alumina market to address the increasing demand for sustainable products through a joint development project.
Non-Metallurgical Alumina Type Outlook
Non-Metallurgical Alumina Application Outlook
Non-Metallurgical Alumina Regional Outlook
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