Feb 9 2011
Global economic meltdown affected the feldspar and nepheline syenite market during 2008 and 2009 and significantly reduced market revenues.
However, the market showed signs of recovery in 2010 and is projected to grow in the coming years driven by increasing demand for feldspar and nepheline syenite in various end-use sectors including ceramics. Further, higher demand for both the minerals in developing markets including Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America is likely to propel market growth. In addition, enhanced consumption of the minerals in certain European markets including France, Italy, and Spain is projected to expand the market further.
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming crystalline minerals consisting of aluminum silicates of potassium, sodium, calcium or barium. These ores occur as compounds of quartz, mica, spodumene, kaolin, garnet, or iron minerals. The mineral group, which is found in several colors, accounts for around 60% of the earth’s outer crust and almost all crystalline rocks contain feldspar. Structure of feldspar is tetrahedral with four silica rings compactly bound with absolute hardness equal to quartz. Nepheline syenite is an igneous rock comprising of orthoclase (KAlSi3O8) and formed from molten magma. The rock is composed of sodium and potassium feldspars and nepheline. Nepheline is a sodium aluminosilicate, but potassium invariably substitutes for a portion of the sodium. Nepheline syenite rock comprises of alkali feldspar and nepheline ((Na,K)AlSiO4) and does not contain quartz and crystalline silica, which differentiate it from other feldspar fillers and silica minerals.
Europe represents the largest regional market for feldspar and nepheline syenite worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Feldspar and Nepheline Syenite. The growing ceramics sector extends the market with potential opportunities in the European market. Within Europe, consumption of feldspar and nepheline syenite is higher in Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. Asia-Pacific constitutes the second major as well as fastest growing market for feldspar and nepheline syenite in the world. Consumption of feldspar and nepheline syenite in Asia-Pacific is poised to demonstrate a CAGR of 2.9% over the analysis period.
Ceramics represents the largest as well as fastest growing feldspar and nepheline syenite end-use segment. Increased ceramics and tile production activities especially in China as well as in some traditional ceramics producers such as Italy and Spain extends the market with huge opportunities. Glass represents the second major feldspar and nepheline syenite end-use segment. Fillers end-use segment represents other potential consumer of feldspar and nepheline syenite.
The prospects of global feldspar and nepheline syenite market are being plagued by rising prices of propane, natural gas and fuel oil. In addition, escalating transportation costs are also hampering the vendors’ margins. Further, declining demand for feldspar and nepheline syenite in glass production is bothering the feldspar and nepheline syenite suppliers. Glass manufacturers are increasingly focusing on other effective alternatives to feldspar such as cullet/recycled glass to reduce their operating costs.
Major players profiled in the report include Eczacibasi Esan, Gimpex Ltd., Gruppo Minerali Maffei SPA, I – Minerals Inc., Imerys SA, Incusa Industrias Del Cuarzo S.A, Matel Hammadde Sanayi ve Tic. A.Ô., Micronized Group, Monto Minerals Limited, Pacer Corporation, Sibelco Nordic AS, The Feldspar Corp, Unimin Corp, and Zemex Industrial Minerals.
The research report titled “Feldspar and Nepheline Syenite: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the feldspar and nepheline syenite markets, current market trends, product overview, end-use application overview, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for feldspar and nepheline syenite market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Key end-use segments analyzed include Glass, Ceramics, Fillers, and Others. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.
Source: http://www.strategyr.com/