Zeolite Mining Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Application (Natural Zeolite and Synthetic Zeolite), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Zeolites are solid minerals composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, which form a framework of cavities in between that can hold water or other small molecules. This group of three-dimensional hydrated microporous aluminosilicate is primarily used in water filters and water softeners. It makes them suitable for usage in detergents, petrochemicals, nuclear, refrigeration, concrete, and various other end-user industries. Zeolites are either mined from volcanic rocks or synthesized industrially on a large scale from aluminosilicate gels.

Restriction on the utilization of phosphates due to environmental concerns has stimulated zeolite demand, which has further been supported by the rising demand for detergents. However, zeolites are extensively used as catalysts and adsorbents in the oil refining and petrochemical industry. Zeolites consist of regular internal cavities and interconnected channels of different sizes and shapes.

The surging demand for fuels and chemical products worldwide and the growing emphasis by governments to use cleaner fuels have further enhanced the market growth. Owing to these factors, the global zeolite market is expected to exhibit moderate growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the growth of the detergent industry is anticipated to be the foremost driver for the zeolites market.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a critical impact on various end-use industries. The shutdown of businesses and imposed lockdown slowed down the mining industry. The unavailability of raw materials and labor for zeolite mining impacted the market growth. However, the growing demand for minerals, as well as the improvement of advanced equipment for mining, are expected to boost market growth.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Zeolite Mining Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Zeolite Mining Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into natural zeolite and synthetic zeolite. Natural zeolites exhibit properties such as cation exchange, catalysis, sorption, and molecular sieving, among others. Conventional mining methods are employed in mining natural zeolites. However, on the production front, not many advanced technologies are observed. They are highly prominent in several applications owing to their natural and abundant occurrence worldwide.

Synthetic zeolites may be classified into three groups based on the aluminum and silicon ratio in the zeolites framework. Natural zeolite is utilized in the cement and concentrate industry and the production of construction materials as it helps to improve the mechanical strength, increases the durability of cement, strengthens the concrete harness for a longer time, and prevents crack formation.

The product is used in various applications and industries. However, the availability of its substitutes may restrict the market growth. The rising water treatment activities for handling water purification and wastewater are expected to drive the growth of the market. However, the presence of chemical compounds may hinder the market growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The zeolite mining market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to showcase significant growth over the coming years owing to the expansion of the animal feed industry. Asia Pacific is set to record the highest share in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period on account of the increasing number of public infrastructure projects and the rising expenditure in infrastructure development in South Korea, China, and India.

China is noted to remain one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of natural zeolites. Countries such as South Korea and New Zealand also mine a significant amount of natural zeolites. On the consumption front, the East Asia natural zeolites market is followed by the South Asia market. North America is expected to showcase a higher y-o-y growth, with the consumption of natural zeolites standing in line with its production in the region. The rest of the world, including Europe, is expected to upsurge their natural zeolite consumption at a moderate pace.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Tosoh Corporation, Clariant, BASF SE, Arkema Group, UOP LLC, Zeochem AG, Interra Global Corporation, KNT Group, Honeywell International Inc., Tosoh Corporation, W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn, Zeolyst International, Bear River Zeolite Co., Blue Pacific Minerals Ltd., St.Cloud Mining, and Zeotech Corporation.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In May 2020, Metalsearch signed an agreement with the University of Queensland for the research and development of synthetic zeolites.


• In April 2020, Metalsearch, an Australian compound and mineral producer company, shared plans to commercialize its novel synthetic zeolite production from kaolin feedstock.


• In July 2019, Reckitt Benckiser launched its latest product called Vanish Oxi Action Stain Removal Company Powder, which states that it contains zeolites that will help eliminate several types of complex stains.