Wollastonite demand at record levels

The production of wollastonite has doubled over the past decade, and demand is likely to grow, according to a report released by a London-based firm of mineral market analysts.

Roskill Information Services also notes that Mexico and Canada are poised to become significant producers of the industrial mineral once projects in those countries come on-stream in 1997.

Mexico’s overall output will be boosted to 200,000 tonnes per year as a result of new production from what is considered the largest wollastonite deposit in the world.

The Canadian project, situated in St-Ludger-de-Milot, Que., will be this country’s first such operation. Annual production is projected at more than 50,000 tonnes, with potential for expansion to 85,000 tonnes.

Increased demand for the mineral could lead to a rise in the overall number of wollastonite-producing projects, the report says. The fastest growing application for wollastonite is in plastics, a sector that accounts for 25% of overall demand. Demand for the mineral should rise with increased production of plastics, which has risen by 4% in the past decade.

The mineral’s traditional market is ceramics, which accounts for 40% of overall demand. That industry, however, is mature, and growth rates are expected to remain modest.

Wollastonite, a white crystalline mineral, is also used in paint and asbestos substitutes, and has metallurgical applications.

The report, which examines wollastonite production in 50 countries, includes analyses of environmental controls, trends in supply and demand, price outlook, and import and export figures.