Ceramics fuel feldspar demand

Strong growth in the production of ceramics, particularly in Italy, Spain and China, continues to push up demand for feldspar, according to a report by London-based Roskill Information Services.

The study, titled The Economics of Feldspar, says production of ceramic tiles, the largest end use of feldspar, in the 20 leading countries increased to more than 4,100 million sq. metres in 2000 from 2,950 million sq. metres in 1995.

Leading the way, Chinese production increased to more than 450 million sq. metres in 2000 from under 230 million sq. metres in 1995. However, some producers have reduced capacity in an attempt to increase the quality of the ceramics produced for the export market.

This reduced capacity may dampen demand for raw materials, including feldspar, but any subsequent reductions are likely to be offset by demand from the domestic market. The ceramics industry consumes roughly 7.7 million tonnes of feldspar and nepheline syenite each year, accounting for about 55% of total world demand and more than 70% of European demand.

The second-largest market for feldspar is the glass industry, accounting for 35% of world demand. The market for glass grades of feldspar and nepheline syenite is being weakened by the increased use of cullet or recycled glass in preference to raw materials. Thus the glass industry is expected to show relatively slow growth rates in feldspar demand.

Feldspar is the name for a group of minerals, principally aluminosilicates of potassium, sodium and calcium, characterized by two cleavages at nearly right angles.

The 313-page report is available from London-based Roskill Information Services at www.roskill.co.uk

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