Black Mineral Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Biotite, Hematite, Graphite, Molybdenite, and Others), By Application (Paper Industry, Agriculture, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The graphite segment primarily drives the black mineral market. The graphite segment in the black mineral market encompasses various applications due to graphite's unique properties, making it an ideal material across industries. Graphite is crucial in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and energy storage systems. It is an anode material, providing excellent electrical conductivity and high energy density, enhancing battery performance and longevity.  

The hematite segment also drives the black mineral market. Hematite is a primary source of iron ore, essential for steel production. As one of the most abundant minerals on earth, hematite is a crucial raw material in the steel industry, contributing to manufacturing structural components, machinery, vehicles, and appliances. In addition, the black mineral market, particularly in the hematite segment, plays a pivotal role in various industries due to its high iron content. Its applications also extend to pigment production, water purification, and radiation shielding, making it a versatile and indispensable mineral.

• The Republic of China began requiring government approval for graphite exports, a key material for batteries used in electric vehicles, in an apparent counter to the U.S.-led curbs targeting China's tech sector.

The black mineral market, primarily carbon black, plays a crucial role in various segments of the paper industry. Carbon black, a finely divided part of carbon, is extensively used for various applications in the paper industry. Carbon black is a key component in the production of printing inks. It imparts color, improves opacity, and enhances the print quality of newspapers, magazines, books, and packaging materials. In addition to its already established uses, hematite's role in environmental sustainability is gaining attention. Innovations in technology have enabled its use in photocatalysis, contributing to the degradation of pollutants and offering a promising avenue for water treatment solutions. Moreover, its magnetic properties are being explored for use in data storage devices, potentially revolutionizing the electronics industry.

By region, the major black mineral market consumers are China, Japan, and India in Asia Pacific; the U.S. and Canada in North America; Germany and France in Europe; and Saudi Arabia and UAE in the Middle East.

• In 2023, the North American region dominated the black mineral market with approximately 37% of the market share.


• China was the leading producer of paper and paperboards, producing 130 metric tons in 2022.


• In 2022, the U.S. was the second largest country, producing around 67 million metric tons of paper and paperboards.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Regions


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insights on Sustainability


• Porters Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

By type, the biotite segment holds a significant share of the global black mineral market.

• Biotite, a dark-colored mineral belonging to the mica group, holds a significant value within the black mineral market due to its diverse applications across various industries. Biotite's ability to withstand high temperatures, chemical corrosion, and electrical insulation makes it a valuable component in construction materials.


• Biotite's electrical insulating properties and heat resistance make it ideal for insulation in electrical equipment and components, including capacitors and insulator tapes.   

Analysis by Application

By application, the agriculture industry holds a considerable share of the global black mineral market.

• The agriculture industry plays a significant role in the black mineral market, primarily using certain minerals and materials for various applications. Phosphorous is a vital nutrient for plant growth, and phosphates derived from black minerals such as apatite and phosphorite are essential components of fertilizers.


• In addition, potassium-rich minerals such as langbeinite, commonly found in black mineral deposits, are used in the production of potash fertilizers, thereby boosting the growth of the black mineral market.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific region holds a considerable share of the black mineral market. The demographic trend fuels the demand for agricultural products, infrastructure development, and industrial activity. These factors are driving the need for black minerals such as phosphates, potash, and coal for various applications.

Leading Exporter of Graphite, By Country, 2022

• China – USD 411 million


• Mozambique – USD 84 million


• Madagascar- USD 79 million­­­­


• Germany – USD 36 million


• Brazil  – USD 31 million

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players such as BHP Group Limited, Rio Tinto, Vale S.A., Glencore, China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., and Anglo American PLC.

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2023, Rio Tinto announced an increase in production capacity at its newest iron ore mine, Gudai-Darri, to 50 million tons a year, around USD 70 million, through incremental productivity gains.