Roskill - Expanding The World's Knowledge of Metals and Minerals Markets
Table of Contents
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. Occurrence
- 3. Boron mineral and boric acid production capacity
- 4. World production of boron minerals
- 5. Production
- 6. World trade in boron
- 7. Consumption of boron
- 8. Markets for boron compounds
- 9. Use of boron in glass
- 10. Use of boron in ceramics
- 11. Use of boron in agriculture
- 12. Use of boron in detergents and soaps
- 13. Other uses for boron
- 14. Prices of boron
This is an abridged table of contents. Click here for the full table of contents.
Boron
Continued growth expected for boron consumption
Boron consumption rose by 4.7%pa between 2001 and 2005, when it reached 1.8Mt. Over the next five years demand is expected to continue to increase and reach 2.1Mt in 2010, a rise of 3.9%. During the period 2001 to 2005, Asian consumption grew by an average of 38%pa, while that of Europe declined by 9.3%pa. The overall rise in consumption was accompanied by a trend towards the use of more refined products, to limit the effects of undesirable impurities. Eti Mine (Turkey) and Rio Tinto Borax (Argentina and USA) dominate the production of borates. Together with the much smaller Bor operation (Russia) the companies accounted for over 70% of global output in 2005. Eti Mine has expanded its output of refined product, primarily boric acid, in recent years. Similarly, in response to changes in product demand, Rio Tinto Borax has expanded refinery capacity, with further planned increases announced. Among the other countries with borate extraction operation are Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Iran, Peru and China. In 2005, Chinese production of borates is estimated to have reached 140,000t, with most of the deposits located in Liaoning province.
The key trends, issues and developments in the market are analysed in this major new report from Roskill. It provides a clear insight into the industry and its trends, and an authoritative analysis of the prospects for the future.
- Independent, in-depth research and analysis
- Essential market intelligence for successful business planning
- Detailed survey of production in 32 countries
- Up-to-date profiles of the activities of over 110 current, past and potential boron producing and processing companies, including Rio Tinto Minerals, Bor, Eti Mine SA and Quiborax
- Forecasts for end-use consumption and world supply and demand
Report highlights
The manufacture of glass is now by far the most important application for borates, accounting for 55% of world consumption in 2005. In the period to 2010, demand for borates in insulation grade fibreglass is expected to grow by 3.6%py, while in textile grade fibreglass, demand for borates is forecast to grow at a slightly lower rate of 2.8%py.
With borate production limited to only a few countries, there are very substantial movements of beneficiated ores and refined products between countries. Of particular note has been the rise of Chinese imports, growing from around 50,000t in 2000 to over 400,000t in 2005.
In agriculture, boron is an essential element for healthy growth of many plants and is therefore used as a micronutrient in many fertilisers. The increasing use of micronutrients is reflected in the growth of the use of borates in this sector, rising from a global total of 75,000t in 2001 to 120,000t in 20005. Demand growth is expected to continue to rise at some 5%py, to attain 150,000t in 2010.
Borates are important constituents of glazes and enamel in the ceramics sector. Their global consumption has risen from 195,000t in 2001 to 350,000t in 2005. This rise has taken place largely in Asia , being driven both by a burgeoning local demand and by the relocation of production capacity from higher cost regions. Overall world demand for borates in ceramics is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.2% to 2010.
In 2001, nearly 200,000t of borate was used in the manufacture of sodium perborate as bleach in detergents. This had fallen to just 25,000t in 2005. The dramatic decline is driven by product formulation changes and concerns about borate discharges in effluent streams. World borate demand in detergents is expected to continue declining from 95,000t in 2005 to 85,000t in 2010.
Buy This Report Now
The Economics of Boron published 01/06/2006
206 pages, 134 tables and 32 figures.
ISBN 0 86214 516 3
Complete report price:
GBP 2200
EUR 3850
USD 4400
plus postage/packing.