Carbonate Mineral Market

Carbonate Mineral Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The carbonated mineral market is anticipated to be valued at USD 60.07 billion in 2024 and registering a CAGR of 5.90% from 2024 to 2034.

The market is foreseen to reach USD 106.56 billion by 2034. Carbonate minerals, renowned for their transparency, solubility, and high specific gravity, are widespread in industries like paper, plastics, paints, and coatings, thereby constructing a novel consumer base.

Attributes	Details
Market Value for 2024	USD 60.07 billion
Market Value for 2034	USD 106.56 billion
Market Forecast CAGR for 2024 to 2034	5.90%

Consumption Analysis of Carbonate Minerals

• The carbonate mineral market is experiencing a shift due to the developing construction industry. These minerals, containing the carbonate ion CO32-, are used in various industrial applications, including light bulbs, ceramic tiles, paints, heating elements, and limestone.
• Carbonated minerals containing carbonate form naturally from atmospheric gases and are found in Earth's crust, mantle, and core. Common minerals include calcite, aragonite, magnesite, dolomite, and barium carbonate.
• Carbonates, such as limestone and marble, have ancient uses in pyramid construction, cement production, and acid neutralization in various industries.
• The demand for carbonate minerals like limestone and marble is significant as they are widely used in construction, including concrete and cement, durable materials used in construction, highways, walls, and bridges.
• The demand for packaging paper in the FMCG sector is high, with widely used carbonated minerals such as kaolin clay, talc, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide.
• Minerals like calcium carbonate are used in medicine, paint, and construction industries. However, stringent global regulations on CO2 emissions curb the demand.
• Modern technology incorporates chemotherapy and physical therapy. It utilizes carbonated minerals such as hydrated, bicarbonates, and complex carbonates, which contain rare earth elements and occur in sedimentary evaporate deposits.

2019 to 2023 Historical Analysis vs. 2024 to 2034 Market Forecast Projection

Demand has historically developed at a CAGR of 4.50%. However, sales are set to advance at a trivial pace, displaying a CAGR of 5.90% from 2024 to 2034.

Attributes	Details
Market Historical CAGR for 2019 to 2023	4.50%

Carbonated minerals, used in industries like cement and construction, contribute to CO2 emissions, causing the greenhouse effect. However, strict regulations stymie demand due to their unique characteristics.

Carbonates are widely used in paints and coatings due to their cost-effectiveness, consistency, and reliability. This development creates novel opportunities and fosters the desire to continue using them in the forthcoming decade.

An economic slowdown could decrease production and demand in industries like construction and cement. This reduction in demand for carbonated minerals poses a significant challenge for the market.

Key Trends Influencing the Carbonate Mineral Market

The Paper Sector Snowballs the Demand for Carbonated Mineral

One of the many roles of calcium carbonate in the paper industry is as a substitute for kaolin. Its brighter, whiter appearance and improved opacity and gloss make it a versatile alternative. Additionally, its high brightness, surface finishing, and enhanced printability contribute to improving the quality of the final product.

• These minerals are an important component in the paper industry, used as fillers and coatings due to their opacity, brightness, and smoothness. These make them flawless for writing, printing, and packaging.
• Due to its easier drying process, the demand for calcium carbonates as a mineral filler significantly reduces paper production costs. It is also used in paper coating to enhance brightness and smoothness.
• CaCO3 is the preferred filler material in papermaking due to its brighter and bulkier properties, offering significant advantages in the alkaline papermaking process.
• Calcium carbonate is utilized in paper production as a filler material, accounting for 32% of the filler and pigments used in alkaline papermaking. It also serves as a substitute for kaolin and wood pulp.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Infrastructure Widespread Calcium Supplements

• The carbonate mineral market is anticipated to grow immensely due to the demand in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This demand is mainly contrived by the widespread use of calcium carbonate in medical applications.
• Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets globally lead to nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues. This augments the demand for calcium supplements and antacids with calcium carbonate as a key ingredient.
• Using these minerals in pharmaceuticals has boosted the demand for these minerals. They offer benefits such as improved drug delivery, bioavailability, and patient compliance. These also act as effective excipients for more stable and effective drugs.
• The pharmaceutical industry increasingly employs this mineral as a key ingredient in various medications, compelling the demand for carbonates.

Rise in Electrical Vehicles Adaption to Fuel the Sales of Magnesium Carbonate Mineral

Electric vehicle production and sales are increasing globally. This is leading auto-makers to opt for magnesium batteries due to their higher capacity, developing a need for these minerals.

• Magnesium-ion batteries have a five to ten times higher capacity than lithium-ion batteries due to their two electrodes per atom. They are also widening their application due to sustainability concerns in the automotive industry.
• Magnesium-ion batteries are prevalent as an alternative to lithium-ion in electric vehicles. This is due to their efficiency in extreme temperatures below -15°C and -30°C, a feature that lithium-ion batteries lack.
• The demand for magnesium carbonate mineral, particularly in the automotive industry, is hoped to rise in the forthcoming decade due to increased sales of carbonate mineral.

Category-wise Insights

The following part offers an in-depth segment-wise analysis of the carbonate mineral market. The demand for naturally sourced mineral is significant, whereas the need from the paper and pulp industry is anticipated to increase in 2024.

Carbonated Mineral Obtained from Natural Sources Close up to 80% of Market Share

Attributes	Details
Top Source Type	Natural
Market share in 2024	80.0%

In 2024, naturally sourced minerals, such as carbonates found in marbles, chalk, and limestone, are envisioned to account for 80.0% of the entire market share. For instance, calcium carbonate, or calcite, is a common carbonated mineral found in rocks, water, animals, and plants and is abundant in nature.

Dolomite, a naturally occurring mineral from dolomite rock, and aragonite, a calcium carbonate polymorph, make up over 4% of the Earth's crust. Carbonated minerals, derived from natural sources, are predicted to be favored by end users due to their long-standing use and potential to boost sales in the forthcoming decade.

Paper and Pulp Sector Acquires 24.4% of Market Share

Attributes	Details
Top End Use	Paper and Pulp
Market share in 2024	24.4%

The demand from the paper and pulp sector is bolstered, with a market share of 24.4% in 2024. The paper and pulp industry utilizes ground calcium carbonate and other carbonate minerals for various purposes, including coating, filling, and adhesion, to produce high-quality paper.

Carbonate minerals are also used in pulp processing, specialty applications, as well as industrial water treatment during paper and pulp manufacturing. Precipitated calcium carbonate is used in paper production to reduce pulp consumption and enhance paper quality, with its diverse applications aiming to boost future sales.

Country-wise Insights

Based on the statistical data, industries in Germany and Japan are set to develop at a relatively similar rate in the upcoming decade. Simultaneously, the carbonate mineral industries in the United States and China are set to hit the roof. India’s carbonate mineral sector is anticipated to climb sharply in the upcoming decade.

Countries	CAGR from 2024 to 2034
United States	3.30%
Germany	2.70%
China	6.60%
India	8.70%
Japan	2.50%

Private Construction Boom Propels Demand for Carbonate Minerals in the United States

The United States is anticipated to hold a CAGR of 3.3% from 2024 to 2034 in the carbonate mineral market. The country is witnessing a surge in carbonated mineral sales due to investments in advanced mining technologies. These technologies have enabled the extraction of minerals with greater efficiency, increasing their availability in the market.

The private construction sector in the United States is experiencing a significant growth rate, accounting for over 70% of the industry. This is compelled by the demand for residential and commercial properties.

To add to this growth, leading companies such as Mineral Technologies, Inc., IMERYS Carbonates LLC, and Huber Engineered Materials are anticipated to play a pivotal role in bolstering the sales of carbonate minerals in the United States. With their expertise and resources, they are well-positioned to meet the demand for these minerals and contribute to the industry's growth.

Construction Sector Investments Propel Growth in Germany's Carbonate Mineral Industry

Germany is foreseen to offer immense growth prospects for the carbonate mineral market and is anticipated to register a 2.7% CAGR by 2034. The growth of Germany's carbonated mineral industry is envisioned to be fueled by significant investments in the construction sector and its diverse applications in agriculture, animal feed, and glass ceramics.

The German Economic Institute reports a 4.3% increase in EU construction industry investments, with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain accounting for over 65% of total assets. The residential sector saw 51% of Germany's investment, indicating a growing demand for carbonated minerals.

China's Role as a Global Carbonate Mineral Producer to Remain Strong

China is on the brink of a significant market expansion in carbonated minerals for construction, with a projected CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034. China's demand outlook is bolstered by strong growth in end-use industries, particularly paints, coatings, paper, and pulp, which is anticipated to compel demand growth.

China is destined to remain a significant global producer of carbonated minerals. This is due to considerable mining activities, advanced growth in the construction and infrastructure sectors, and private investments in construction. These factors are foreseen to boost market development in the country.

Key Innovations and Infrastructure Investments Propel Japan's Carbonate Mineral Sales

Japan is set to experience a 2.5% CAGR trajectory in the carbonate mineral market due to road and bridge construction focusing on the improvement of materials.

Japan's government prioritizes renovating public infrastructure and road development to improve connectivity, compelling growth in the building and construction sector. Japan’s key players' profit-bearing growth strategies and product innovations are anticipated to boost sales of carbonated minerals during the assessment period.

Rising Population and Agriculture Needs Fuel India's Carbonate Mineral Demand

The demand for carbonated minerals in India is foreseen to experience a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2034. The consumption of carbonated elements for producing cement and agrochemicals is anticipated to develop extensively in India. India's infrastructure development efforts, particularly in cement production, are boosting its carbonated mineral industry, a significant sector in its rapidly growing economy.

India's population growth and rapidly shrinking agricultural land create a high demand for agrochemicals and fertilizers aimed at improving land yield. This emphasis potentially propels the demand for carbonated minerals in the country.

Market Players Shaping the Outlook of the Carbonate Mineral Market

The market is encountering a competitive landscape with established and new players vying for market share. This competition is driving innovation and the development of advanced mining technologies that could transform the industry.

The market is participating in a ripple in demand due to their use in construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy. This is prompting leading players to invest heavily in mining technology to extract high-quality carbonated minerals.

Market leaders utilize strategic mergers and acquisitions to boost their domestic market reach and cater to a larger customer base. They are leveraging their expertise to enhance production capabilities and provide diverse minerals to meet evolving end-user needs.

Global start-ups are leveraging innovative technologies to extract efficiently and process carbonates. Hence they are increasing production capacities and improving output quality, thereby recognizing the immense potential of this market in the mining industry.

Recent Developments in the Carbonate Mineral Market

• In March 2024, Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science's Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) are exploring using industrial flue gas in excavated soil and C&D waste to partially replace natural sand in construction materials, thereby reducing environmental impact and improving their suitability for construction.
• In October 2023, at the Green Energy Africa Summit in Cape Town, the United States and China discussed the need for an alternative critical mineral supply chain to avoid reliance on China. While some speakers suggested Washington was diversifying, others acknowledged the interest in Africa's critical mineral. The Chinese Embassy in Washington needed to be more cautious about its potential competition for natural resources.
• In January 2023, the United States DOE Loan Programs Office offered a USD 700 million loan to Ioneer Rhyolite Ridge LLC for lithium carbonate production for electric vehicle batteries, potentially reducing gasoline consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
• In January 2023, Cornell professor Greeshma Gadikota received USD 650,000 from the United States Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's USD 2.4 million grant to increase the domestic supply of critical minerals needed for green energy. The funds recover green-energy metals during mining and convert residual magnesium and calcium content into solid carbonates.
• In August 2022, Cimbar Resources acquired Imerys Carbonates United States’ Calcium Carbonate manufacturing assets in Sahuarita, Arizona, developing its portfolio and ensuring product security and business continuity.

Key Companies

• Mineral Technologies, Inc.
• IMERYS Carbonates Llc
• Magnesita Refractories SA
• Maruo Calcium Co., Ltd.
• Carmeuse
• Calcinor Sa
• Huber Engineered Mineral
• Lhoist North America Inc.
• Mississippi Lime Company
• Great Lakes Calcium Corporation
• Provençale SA
• Univar Inc.
• Omya AG
• SIBELCO
• Columbia River Carbonates
• Steinbock Mineral Ltd
• Calcit d.o.o.
• Uniko Calcium Carbonate Industry
• Fimatec Ltd
• CISME Italy s.n.c.

Key Coverage in the Carbonate Mineral Market Report

• Rising Growth of the Carbonate Mineral in the United States
• Growth Analysis of the Mining Sector
• Top 10 Mineral Resources Sector Trends
• Analysis of Growth Overview of Carbonates Market in the United States
• Sales Assessment of Market Dynamics of Calcite Market and Dolomite Market
• Consumer Preferences for Carbonate Mineral in the United States Market
• Market Forecast for Carbonate Mineral Industry

Key Segments

By Mineral Type:

• Calcite
• Magnesite
• Aragonite
• Smithsonite
• Dolomite

By Source Type:

• Natural
• Synthetic

By End-user:

• Food
• Paint
• Plastic and rubber
• Paper and pulp
• Building and Construction
• Agriculture
• Glass

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Carbonate Mineral Market?

The market is valued at US$ 60.07 billion in 2024.

What is the Future of the Carbonate Mineral Market?

The market is going to be valued at US$ 106.56 billion by 2034.

What is the Size of the Carbonated Mineral Market in the United States?

In the United States, demand for carbonated minerals is anticipated to develop a CAGR of 3.3% through 2034.

What is the Forecast for the Carbonate Mineral Market?

The market is to register a CAGR of 5.90% from 2024 to 2034.

How is the Demand for Natural Carbonate Minerals in 2024?

Naturally sourced minerals are anticipated to acquire an 80.0% market share in 2024.