Dolomite Powder Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Calcium Dolomite, and Magnesia Dolomite), By Application (Steel-making, Cement Industry, Agriculture, Glass, Ceramic, Rubber, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global dolomite powder market size was USD 25.41 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 33.44 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period.

Dolomite powder is an anhydrous carbonate mineral which comprises calcium magnesium carbonate. This powder is used in applications such as steel-making, cement manufacturing, agriculture, ceramics, glass, rubber, and mining. A report by the World Steel Association stated that the steel production increased from 1,657.9 Mn tons in 2018 to 1,681.2 Mn tons in 2019. Such an increase in steel production is expected to be the key reason behind the consumption of dolomite powder. Moreover, dolomite is used as a substitute for limestone in applications that require both calcium and magnesium minerals. Due to the increasing use of this powder in such diverse applications, the market is expected to propel during the forecast period.

Dolomite powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) through scientific procedures in accordance with 21 CFR §170.30 (a) and (b). It is utilized as a substitute for calcium and magnesium salts to enhance the mineral content of purified bottled water beverages. With the development of such new applications, the market for this product is expected to attain new heights during the dolomite powder market forecast period.

COVID-19 to Affect Production and Operations Across Several Sectors, Diminishing the Demand for Dolomite Powder

Dolomite has major applications in steelmaking, cement, ceramic, and glass industry. The pandemic has affected the growth of the market as the industries that use the powder in the production of different end products have been facing restrictions in production activities due to the announcement of lockdown in many major economies. For instance, China being a major producer of steel, and the epicenter of coronavirus, has led to a decrease in the market growth. Restrictions over export and import of raw materials such as industrial dolomite for steel production acts as a factor for a drop in the revenue. Moreover, the slowdown in the construction and cement industry due to the spread of the virus has also affected the growth of the global market.

LATEST TRENDS

Increasing Demand from Construction Industry to Drive the Market

The powder of dolomite mineral is gaining immense traction from the construction industry. It finds application in the production of two major construction materials, steel, and cement. It is used as an aggregate in concrete and is calcined for the production of cement. According to the Cement Manufacturers Association, the global cement consumption was about 4,000 Mn Tons in 2017 and as dolomite being an important component in its production, it is gaining immense traction in the global market.

The demand for the product is also gaining momentum in other types and applications such as residential and commercial construction, where it is used in the production of concrete and cement. Moreover, it is used in the manufacturing of several construction materials including sealants, putties, caulk, asphalt roofing shingles, and tiles. This is further expected to propel the demand for this product in the global scenario.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand from Steel Industries Will Aid the Market Growth

Dolomite is majorly used in the manufacturing of steel and iron as slag flux for the removal of impurities. The powder, after calcination, is used in refractory linings of open-hearth steel furnaces. Additionally, mini-steel plants require this product for fettling and refractory purposes. The International Stainless Steel Forum has assessed that China will continue to lead both the production and consumption of steel, accounting for about 51% of stainless steel production. With dolomite being an important material for the manufacture of steel, the market is expected to be driven by the growth of the steel industry in Asia Pacific, especially China and East Asia.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects Caused by Dolomite Exposure to Restrict Market

Dolomite mineral may contain lead as an impurity, which may remain in the powder post-processing. If such powder is used as an additive in fertilizers and animal feed, it might contaminate the soil and also cause lead poisoning in humans and animals. Exposure to lead causes various short-term side effects such as stomach ache, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. Moreover, the long-term side effects include learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, hyperactive behavior, antisocial behavior, and neurological problems. Hence, such side effects caused by exposure from contaminated dolomite dust acts as the primary restraint for its adoption.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Calcium Dolomite is Expected to Generate the Highest Revenue during the Forecast Period

The market is segmented into calcium dolomite and magnesia dolomite, based on types. Amongst these, calcium dolomite accounts for the largest dolomite powder market share owing to the increased use of this type in steel-making. The increasing use of calcium dolomite in applications such as cement, concrete, mortars, refractories, and rubber is another factor driving the market demand.

Magnesia dolomite is generally used as an additive in feed, glass, and ceramic industries. Magnesia dolomite is preferred over calcium dolomite in the agriculture industry due to its magnesia content. Fine particles of dolomite are a vital raw material for the manufacturing of float glass and there is no cost-effective alternative to it. A rise in demand for magnesia dolomite from several industries, owing to its properties, is expected to contribute to an increase in the market size substantially.

By Application Analysis

Steel-Making Segment to Exhibit a Significant CAGR During the Forecast Period

As per the market trends, the market for dolomite powder is categorized into steel-making, cement industry, agriculture, glass, ceramic, rubber, and others based on application. Amongst these applications, the steel-making segment is expected to remain dominant in terms of market volume during the forecast period. In steel-making application, the powder is mainly used as slag flux during the manufacture of steel and iron alloys. The increasing use of steel in industries such as automotive and construction will lead to an increase in the demand for dolomite.

The product has witnessed high demand in the cement industry owing to properties such as high surface hardness and density ratio. It is used as a filler in cement and concrete manufacturing. It is also used in the agriculture industry for applications such as soil pH control, fertilizer, and animal feed manufacturing due to its magnesia content. The increased demand for this powder in agriculture applications will further boost the growth of the market.

The growth in ceramic and glass segments can be linked to the increased demand and production of high refractive optical glass and ceramic glazes on dinnerware. Rubber and other application segments are expected to observe sluggish growth over the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market for dolomite powder in Asia Pacific accounted for a revenue of US$ 6.20 Billion in 2019. Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share in terms of volume in 2018 and is expected to remain largest throughout the forecast period due to expanding metal and building & construction industries in countries such as China and India. The increasing demand is attributed to its application in the manufacturing of cement and steel. Additionally, its use in animal feed is driving the dolomite market value in Asia Pacific.

Europe obtained a significant share of the market in terms of revenue and is projected to witness considerable growth in the market. The increasing demand from the steel & iron and cement industries will contribute to the market growth opportunities in this region. Furthermore, owing to its high rigidity and tensile strength, the use of dolomite particles in glass and ceramics is surging, providing a push to its demand in the regional analysis.

On the other hand, North America is expected to witness significant growth in the market. The U.S. is one of the major consumers of steel for automotive and construction applications, which will aid market growth in the region.

In South America, increased demand for dolomite for steel production is one of the major factors influencing growth. Brazil was one of the top exporters of steel in the world and is expected to continue the export steel to several countries which will drive the market in this region. This will further help in increasing market revenue.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to experience substantial growth in the market. Saudi Arabia and UAE are the major contributors to the market growth. The use of this powder in numerous applications consisting of steel-making and the production of cement were responsible for the market growth in this region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players Are Expected to Strengthen the Market Position by Partnering with the Steel and Cement Industries for Ensuring Consistent Supply

The major producers operating in the market are present in Europe and North America. Some of the key market players include Sibelco, Imerys S.A., Minerals Technologies Inc., Carmeuse, and Omya Group. Sibelco is one of the leading providers of material solutions and offers expertise in several markets such as agriculture, ceramics, construction, and glass. The company has 195 production sites in more than 34 countries. On the other hand, Imerys S.A. has a strong influence in Europe. The company adopted acquisition strategies between 2017 to 2018 to increase its presence in various regions such as Asia Pacific and South America. Similarly, other key players in the market have developed a strong regional presence, distribution channels, and product offerings.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Sibelco (Belgium)


• Minerals Technologies Inc. (U.S.)


• Imerys S.A. (France)


• Beihai Group (China)


• Arihant MinChem (India)


• Omya Group (Switzerland)


• Lhoist Group (Belgium)


• Carmeuse (Belgium)


• Nordkalk Corporation (Finland)


• Longcliffe Quarries Ltd. (U.K.)

Key Industry Developments

• February 2018, Imerys acquired the calcium carbonates and dolomite business of Vimal Microns Ltd., a key supplier of calcium carbonates in India. This acquisition is expected to strengthen the presence of Imerys in India.


• November 2017, Imerys acquired Brazil-based Micron-Ita, which is a producer of micronized ground calcium carbonates for polymer applications. The acquisition will strengthen the company’s presence in Brazil by opening up its portfolio to new market applications. The business will be integrated with Imerys’ carbonates division which is a part of the energy solutions & specialties business group.

REPORT COVERAGE

A growing trend is observed in the market across various industries such as steel, cement, and glass. The report provides qualitative and quantitative insights into the market and a detailed analysis of market size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market.

Along with this, the market research report provides an elaborative analysis of the global market dynamics and competitive landscape. Various key insights presented in the report are the price trend analysis, recent industry developments in the global market, the regulatory scenario in crucial countries, macro, and microeconomic factors, SWOT analysis, key industry trends, competitive landscape, and company profiles.

Report Scope & Segmentation