Silica Sand Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By End-use Industry (Construction, Glass Manufacturing, Filtration, Foundry, Chemical Production, Paints & Coatings, Ceramics & Refractories, Oil & Gas, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global silica sand market size was valued at USD 12.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 13.10 billion in 2024 to USD 23.70 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the silica sand market with a market share of 29.28% in 2023. Moreover, the silica sand market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 4.00 billion by 2032, driven by the increased production of oil and natural gas, which require silica sand for the fracking process.

Silica sand (SiO2) is the finely crushed form of quartz. Industrial sand and gravel, often called quartz and silica sand, includes sand and gravel with high silicon dioxide content. It contains at least 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6% iron oxide. Sand that does not fulfill this criterion is considered regular sand.

Properties that make SiO2 a desirable material are its toughness, high melting point, and inert chemical nature. They are found as mines in most regions across the world. It is obtained in high hardness. A good quartz sand crystal depends more on the mines' silica ratio, hardness ratio, and chemical structure. It is mostly used dry and wet in the industry. The sources of quartz sand have a wide variety. These are white, yellow, and beige in color.

Additionally, it is used for wide applications, including glass making, paved roads, foundries, oil & gas, sandblasting, water filtration, industrial casting, and others. In addition, it is used in the hydraulic fracturing process, where the demand is rising significantly over the past few years.

Moreover, it is used for making concrete, the basic building & construction material, and is widely used in the construction sector. As developing economies such as India and China witness growth in the construction industry, this factor shall drive the growth of the market. Emerging technologies such as the improved use of lightweight glazing glass, hybrid guide plates, solar power glazing for vehicle and construction glass, and advanced nanotechnology in flat glass are all adding to the glass industry’s growth, further driving the silica sand market growth.

Since both raw materials supply and finished goods distribution was affected, COVID-19 has rigorously distressed the revenue generation of its manufacturers. However, after the crisis was under control, the government eased rules to aid nations in upscaling the economic value chain by supporting domestic and small-scale businesses to resume manufacturing operations.

Moreover, it is widely used in the construction and glass manufacturing industries. These industries were severely impacted during the pandemic due to labor and raw material shortages, supply chain disruptions, and strict government regulations. This decreased the product consumption in industries even further. In addition, the ongoing construction projects were halted, suspended, or canceled. This greatly disrupted the product demand as they play a major role in end-use industries.

Silica Sand Market Trends

Rise in Construction and Infrastructural Activities to Act as Key Market Trend

The growth in construction and infrastructural activities is anticipated to boost the product demand worldwide over the forecast period. It is used in many construction applications, including abrasives, glassmaking, concrete, and mortar. The global expansion of the construction sector will lead to increased demand for quartz sand in the coming years. Additionally, this is also widely used in glass production. Persistently, increasing demand for architectural and flat glass will support the market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, an ever-growing population and the industrial boom after the economic slowdown in 2020 have given rise to new construction in both residential and commercial sectors, which is likely to surge the product demand over the forecast period.

Silica Sand Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand from the Glass Industry to Aid Market Growth

The increasing demand by the expansion of the glass industry, as it is a major component in the manufacturing process, is a key factor that drives the market's growth. The use of SiO2 for glass production is due to the extreme thermal shock resistance and low coefficient of thermal expansion, which prevents any change in the material owing to rapid and sudden temperature changes and can withstand large temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the resulting glass is also an effective electrical insulator and protects against excessive energy of electric flow in case of accidental exposure. Moreover, it provides excellent optical transmission characteristics from ultraviolet to infrared, which increases its applicability in laboratory equipment. The global glass industry has experienced significant growth fueled by increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising consumer preferences for glass packaging and construction materials. This upsurge in glass consumption directly translates to heightened demand for silica sand. The construction sector, a major consumer of glass products for windows, facades, and interior applications, is witnessing robust growth globally and is likely to boost construction activities, which will drive the silica sand market growth.

Moreover, with growing environmental consciousness, the glass industry is transitioning towards sustainable manufacturing practices. Silica sand, a naturally occurring material with minimal environmental impact when extracted responsibly, aligns with the industry’s sustainability goals and further drives the market's growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Health Hazards with the Use of Product is Likely to Hinder Market Growth

Health hazards associated with the product may hinder the market growth during the forecast period due to reduced use of the product. The disease risk is associated with both the level and duration of crystalline silica exposure, which reduces its use, especially in industries requiring consistent use. Additionally, the outbreak of the disease can occur long after the end of exposure, which further makes it unfavorable for use. Moreover, long-term and highly concentrated exposure has been associated with chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, silicosis, and various autoimmune diseases, so it is avoided by production units, resulting in a hindrance to market growth during the forecast period.

Silica Sand Market Segmentation Analysis

By End-use Industry Analysis

Construction Segment to Account for the Largest Revenue Share Due to Increased Product Adoption

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into construction, glass manufacturing, filtration, foundry, chemical production, paints & coatings, ceramics & refractories, oil & gas, and others.

The construction segment is predicted to dominate during the forecast period. The market is driven primarily by increasing use in the production of mortar and concrete since it is the main component for many building materials; the whole grain sand is used in cement, roof shingles, asphalt mixtures mortar, and other flooring compounds. Owing to its properties, it helps to improve durability.

The glass manufacturing segment is projected to witness rapid growth due to increased demand in glass making. Glass manufacturing is impossible without silica sand. The extreme chemical purity of silica-based sand makes it the prime solution for making different types of glass, including fiberglass, mirror glass, test tubes, window glasses, monitors, decorative glassware, light bulbs, monitors, and much more.

The foundry segment is expected to observe considerable growth during the forecast period, owing to the use of silica sand as a core and mold manufacturing material for ferrous and non-ferrous materials in the foundry sector. Silicon dioxide sand is in high demand in the metal casting industry, where it is used to produce cores and molds for cast steel and iron.

The automotive industry represents a significant end-user segment for paints and coatings. Silica sand incorporated into automotive coatings imparts superior abrasion resistance, weather ability, and corrosion protection, thus extending the lifespan of automotive components and enhancing their aesthetic appeal. With the automotive sectors witnessing sustained growth and innovation, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles, the demand for high-performance coatings containing silica sand is likely to drive the segment in the market.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific region held the largest share in the market and is expected to record a dominating share in the market over the forecast period. Silica sand is found naturally in several places worldwide, including India, Japan, China, Indonesia, and Australia. The product is used as an abrasive for producing glass and as a construction & building material. The high demand in glass and construction industries is driving the market growth in the region. In addition, the expansion of government spending on the development of infrastructure in the region is expected to surge the product demand. Improved structural and durable integrity for the production of cement mixes flooring and asphalt cement mixtures is driving the market growth in the region.

The market in North America is driven by the increased production of oil and natural gas, which require silica sand for the fracking process. The U.S. and Canada, two major countries in the region, are major oil-producing nations. The challenge of flow fracture is solved by the hydraulic fracking method, which creates cracks in the rock by injecting high-pressure water into this area of the well, facilitating oil extraction and increasing the demand for the material. This raw material is preferred for use as it delivers the highest performance with better efficiency, which will boost the market in the region.

In Europe, rising product demand from glass manufacturing is driven by the increase in construction activities. In addition, the growing automotive sales and production in the region, continued advancement in technology, and rising per capita income are some of the factors expected to drive the market growth in Europe.

The Latin America silica sand market share is expected to observe steady growth over the estimated period due to the rapidly growing construction sector and increasing demand for fiberglass and flat glass in the region.

The Middle East & Africa market is likely to observe sluggish growth over the forecast period due to rising usage of the product for water filtration in the region.

List of Key Companies in Silica Sand Market

Major Players Adopt Business Expansion Strategies to Uphold their Position

The global market is fragmented with key players such as U.S. Silica, Sibelco, Ltd., Covia Holdings LLC., and PUM GROUP. Most manufacturers are growing their business to increase competency in the market.  

Market players are aggressively competing with regional and international companies with extensive suppliers, regulatory know-how, and distribution networks. Furthermore, companies enter into acquisitions & strategic partnerships and sign contracts with other giants to inflate their existing market presence.

In addition, companies sign contracts, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships with other market leaders to expand their presence in the existing markets.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• U.S. Silica (U.S.)


• Sibelco (Belgium)


• Covia Holdings LLC. (U.S.)


• JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, Ltd. (Japan)


• Quarzwerke GmbH (Germany)


• PUM GROUP (Malaysia)


• Badger Mining Corporation (U.S.)


• Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan)


• Preferred Sands (U.S.)


• Aggregate Industries (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• July 2022- Allup Silica Ltd. enhanced its resources for a silica sand project based in Western Australia. The initiative is called “Sparkler A Silica Sands Exploration Project”.


• July 2022- Finnish Vatajankoski and Polar Night Energy presented the first fully functional "sand battery" capable of storing green electricity, which provides a low-emission and low-cost way to store renewable energy.


• July 2022- Perpetual Resources shared plans to commence exploratory drilling at the Beharra Quartz Sand Project.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies and end-use industry. In addition, it offers an insight into the key trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years. It further includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

This report includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation