Ilmenite Market Research ..

The market for titanium minerals grows by 5-8% annually.

According to Merchant Research & Consulting Ltd. consulting agency, the average annual TiO₂ demand growth rate in 2003-2006 was around 2%.

Titanium market is forecast to remain stable; the demand for it will continue to rise.

Titanium minerals are used primarily for the production of titanium dioxide, while their small amount is employed for the manufacture of metallic titanium and its chemical compounds. Approximately 94% of titanium mineral feedstock production is consumed in the production of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment, primarily for use in the coatings, plastics and paper industries. As a result, the behaviour in these industries affects titanium feedstock producers.

The market outlook for titanium minerals, ilmenite and rutile, is positive, buoyed by strong growth in all end use sectors. The pigment sector, which is by far the largest component of demand, is forecast to grow at an average compound annual rate of 3% until at least 2015.

Market players deem that TiO₂ supplies should be increased, since the demand for this product grows quicker than the capacity (demand growth rate is 2-3% per year).

TiO₂-producing countries (the USA and Western Europe) act as its major consumers.

Ilmenite production is distributed in the following way: Australia – 46%, Norway – 13%, Ukraine – 12%, USA – 8%, India – 8%, China – 4%, ROW – 9%. The outlook for Kazakhstan’s ilmenite potential seems bright thanks to large natural reserves of 60m mt of ilmenite.

Ilmenite is valuable ore for the production of titanium and its derivatives, which are widely applied in metallurgy, chemical and other industries.

Titanium dioxide is naturally-occurring mineral found in two main forms: rutile and anatase. Titanium dioxide has a variety of uses, as it is odourless and absorbent. This mineral can be found in many products, ranging from paint to food to cosmetics. In cosmetics, it serves several purposes. It is a white pigment, an opacifier and a sunscreen.

"Ilmenite Market Research" also features the following information:

• An overview of the global market for ilmenite and other titanium;
• Prices for titanium minerals;
• Ilmenite market in the CIS countries;
• Prospective ilmenite consumers;
• etc.