Blog - Mining

Global cadmium production declined by nearly 11% to 26K tonnes. 

The U.S. sulphur market expanded from $1.0B in 2020 to $1.2B in 2021, as the domestic production recorded moderate growth.

In 2021, U.S. alumina imports rose by 12% to 1.3M tonnes or by 32% to $622M in value terms, while the domestic production declined. 

In 2021, U.S. borates exports expanded to $515M, driven by solid demand from China, South Korea, Canada and India.

Global trade in fluorspar peaked at $822M in 2021. China remains the leading fluorspar supplier worldwide. 

Global dolomite trade soared to $542M in 2021. China significantly expands its exports, remaining the leading dolomite supplier worldwide. 

Global trade in peat reached the highest level ever, peaking at $2.4B in 2021. Canada and Latvia remain the world's largest peat suppliers, while the U.S. leads imports. 

In 2021, global iodine production grew by 5% to 35K tonnes, recovering from the 2020’s crisis. The leading iodine producers, namely Chile and Japan, saw the most prominent increases in outputs compared to other countries. 

In 2021, global magnesium production declined by 5% to 950K tonnes because several China's smelters had cut capacities to comply with energy consumption targets. China remains the largest exporter in the world, accounting for 58% of total magnesium supplies. 

In 2021, global talc production totalled 7.6M tonnes, rising by 2% compared to 2020. Demand from ceramic and paint industries declines, while talk consumption in rubber manufacturing grows.  

Global natural graphite production rose by 3.5% y/y to 1M tonnes in 2021. China recorded the most prominent output growth, increasing production by 7.6% to 820K tonnes. 

Iron ore prices are forecast to drop by 20% y/y to $130 per tonne in 2022 due to rising global production.