The Washed Silica Sand Market Is Set To Grow At Highest Pace Owing To Rising Construction Activities

 

Washed Silica Sand Market

Washed silica sand, also known as industrial sand, is a sand that has been screened to meet industry specifications for grain size distribution and chemical purity. It is more chemically and physically resistant than regular construction sand. Washed silica sand is in high demand in the glassmaking, hydraulic fracturing, metal casting and other industrial processes due to its hardness, durability and chemical stability.

The global washed silica sand market is estimated to be valued at US$ 18.56 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the washed silica sand market are Unimin Corporation, Fairmount Minerals, US Silica Holdings, Inc., Emerge Energy Services LP, Badger Mining Corp, Hi-Crush Partners, Preferred Sands, Premier Silica, Pattison Sand, Sibelco, Minerali Industriali, Quarzwerke Group, Aggregate Industries WOLFF MÜLLER, VRX Silica Limited, Australian Silica Quartz Group Ltd, Adwan Chemical Industries Company, Refcast Corporation, Zillion Sawa Minerals Pvt. Ltd., TMM India, and Srinath Enterprises. The growing construction industry around the world is fueling the demand for washed silica sand. Technological advancements in extraction and processing methods have improved the quality of washed silica sand.

Market Trends

Rising construction activities: Washed Silica Sand Market Size Growth in infrastructure development and construction activities especially in emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Middle East is driving the demand for washed silica sand in construction applications like concrete, mortars, plaster etc. Rapid urbanization is another key factor boosting the construction industry. Fragmentation of aggregates: Technological advancements in mining, extraction and processing equipment have enabled production of finer grains of washed silica sand which are finding increasing applications in specialty construction like glass production where grain size distribution is critical.

Market Opportunities

Increasing focus on sustainable construction: Growing awareness about green building concept and sustainability is augmenting the demand for eco-friendly construction materials like washed silica sand.

Emerging applications in solar photovoltaics: Rising deployment of solar photovoltaic cells worldwide is opening new growth avenues for washed silica sand use as an antireflective coating and encapsulating material in solar panels.

Impact of COVID-19 on Washed Silica Sand Market

The outbreak of COVID-19 has negatively impacted the growth of the washed silica sand market. The imposition of lockdowns and supply chain disruptions led to the closing down of construction activities worldwide during 2020 and early 2021. As washed silica sand finds widespread application in the construction industry such as in concrete mixing, plastering, road paving, and landscaping, the decline in construction projects substantially reduced the demand for washed silica sand. Even industrial production came to a halt during the peak of the pandemic which further dampened consumption.

However, post-COVID recovery has boosted the washed silica market since late 2021. Major economies began relaxing lockdown restrictions and restarting their economies as vaccination drives progressed. This led to infrastructure development and rebuilding programs spearheaded by various governments to aid economic recovery. The resurgence in construction and industrial activity revived demand for washed silica sand. Additionally, pent-up demand from delayed projects also supported consumption. Despite ups and downs, the long-term fundamentals and essential nature of washed silica sand ensure steady growth over the forecast period backed by expanding construction spending worldwide.

Asia Pacific Washed Silica Sand Market

The Asia Pacific region accounts for the largest share of the global washed silica sand market in terms of value. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and Indonesia have abundant silica sand reserves and a huge ready mix concrete industry which are key factors for the dominance of APAC. Rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes have fueled large-scale infrastructure development programs centered around transportation, energy, and real estate construction. Additionally, the growth of end-use sectors such as glassmaking and water treatment has also stimulated demand for washed silica sand in APAC. Going forward, countries making massive investments in building roads, bridges, airports, water supply networks, and renewable energy projects will drive further consumption.

North American Washed Silica Sand Market

The North American region is considered the fastest growing market for washed silica sand globally. The United States holds the major consumption on account of its massive petrochemical and hydraulic fracturing industries. Washed sand is a primary proppant used in fracking and oil & gas production activities which have significantly increased in the region over the past decade. Apart from this, expansion in infrastructure projects especially in transportation is pushing demand from the construction sector. Moreover, high-purity silica sand inputs in automobile manufacturing, electronics, and foodstuff will continue spurring market growth in the US and Canada during the forecast timeframe.

Get more insights on This Topic- Washed Silica Sand Market