Australia Silica Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

Australia Silica Market Overview

Australia houses significant high-quality silica sand resources, with deposits in Western Australia and Queensland. The country is one of the major exporters of silica sand, and it accounts for around 1% of global silica sand production. Companies in the country such as Australian Silica Quartz Group (ASX: ASQ), Metallica Minerals (ASX: MLM), Diatreme Resources (ASX: DRX), and VRX Silica (ASX: VRX), among others, boast several silica sand projects.

The Australia silica market value is increasing amid the rising use of silica in novel applications such as 3D printing, nanotechnology, and smart coatings, among others. With advancements in nanotechnology, key players are developing silica nanoparticles in drug delivery systems to enhance the bioavailability of medications while reducing side effects and improving targeted delivery. They are also utilising silica in coatings to develop self-cleaning surfaces due to its hydrophobic properties that repel contaminants and dirt. Furthermore, in 3D printing technology, the application of silica to manufacture high-quality and performance inks is anticipated to surge in the forecast period.

Australia Silica Market Trends

Rising Construction Activities

The Australia construction sector generates around USD 360 billion in revenue per year and represents 9% of the country's GDP. Residential and building infrastructure represented 80% of the construction work in the country. Factors such as rapid population growth, infrastructural development, and urbanisation are boosting construction activities in the country. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population in Australia is projected to reach 30 million between 2029 and 2033. The increasing investments by the Australian government in residential, commercial, and industrial construction activities are further driving the Australia silica market growth. For instance, the South Australian government is investing USD 80 million in Prospect Corner, delivering 108 affordable townhouses to residents. In Q2 2024, the value of residential construction in South Australia increased by 7.5% to reach USD 1.1 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Hence, the rising demand for construction materials such as concrete, glass, and bricks, among others, which require silica, is boosting the Australia silica industry revenue.

Australia Silica Market Growth

Growing Emphasis on Sustainability

The growing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible resource management is shaping the Australia silica market trends and dynamics. Key players are increasingly adopting sustainable methods for silica extraction that can lower environmental disruptions such as erosion control and land clearance. For instance, VRX Silica uses the VDT mining method, in which it uses a custom-designed and purpose-built front-end loader spade that lifts in-tact a 40cm-deep, 3x3m sod of topsoil from the area to be mined and transfers it directly to the previously mined area. With the growing emphasis on sustainability in sectors like construction and manufacturing, end-users are utilising recycled silica that can reduce the need for virgin materials and lower the environmental impact associated with mining, transporting, and processing new silica. Increasing research and development activities aimed at creating sustainable silica-based materials are expected to propel the growth of the silica market in Australia in the coming years.

Novel Applications of Silica

The shift towards renewable energy sources and the rising demand for solar panels globally is surging the demand for silica. Silicon, the primary component of solar panels, is derived from the processing of high-purity silica. Silica sand facilitates the conversion of sunlight into electricity while enhancing the efficiency and durability of solar panels. Increasing research activities aimed at developing nano-engineered silica sand with improved durability and light transmission to enhance the efficiency of solar panels are further likely to shape the Australia silica market landscape. In 2022, solar PV investments in capacity additions surged by 20%, surpassing USD 320 billion, while accounting for 45% of overall global electricity generation investments. In Australia alone, over 3.72 million solar panel systems were installed on rooftops, as of 2024. In August 2024, the Victoria government launched a plan to add 6.3 GW of rooftop solar, 3 GW of utility-scale solar, and 1.2 GW of large distributed solar within the next decade amid the rising electrification needs.

Market News

August 2023

VRX Silica Limited, a prominent pureplay silica sand company, announced a substantial capital raising initiative of USD 3 million. Through the fund, the company aims to advance its critical operations and equipment procurement for its projects, especially at the Muchea and Arrowsmith North sites, and meet the growing demand for silica sand in different sectors.

May 2022

Carbine Resources signed a binding term sheet to acquire 100% of the Sandbox Silica Sands Project, Queensland, from Suga Dino Pty Ltd (Suga) and FNQ Sand Pty Ltd (FNQ). The project, located nearly 22km south-southeast of Innisfail, Queensland, covers a land area of 59Ha and offers the company the potential to expand its existing resources.

Australia Silica Market Dynamics

The Australian construction sector is thriving, generating approximately USD 360 billion annually, which accounts for 9% of the nation's GDP. With residential and infrastructure projects making up 80% of this activity, factors such as rapid population growth and urbanisation are boosting the demand for silica due to increased demand for materials like concrete and glass. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability within the Australia silica market. Companies are adopting eco-friendly extraction methods to minimise environmental disruption. The use of recycled silica is becoming more prevalent, reducing reliance on virgin materials. Furthermore, the rising demand for solar panels—where high-purity silica is a key component—supports the market growth. In 2022, global solar PV investments surged by 20%, and with over 3.72 million solar systems installed in Australia by 2024; such initiatives to expand solar capacity further propel the market development in the forecast period.

Australia Silica Market Restraints

Mining and processing of silica can lead to habitat loss and destruction, cause soil erosion and degradation, and increase sedimentation in water bodies. Silica mining can also result in the leaching of contaminants into surface water and groundwater, contribute to air quality issues, and lead to the depletion of high-quality reserves. The demand for silica is highly volatile as it is dependent on economic conditions and several end-use sectors, particularly construction and manufacturing. Besides, the health risks associated with crystalline silica exposure can lead to stringent workplace safety measures, impacting the operational efficiency of key players.

Australia Silica Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Australia Silica Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Crystalline
  • Tridymite
  • Quartz
  • Cristobalite
• Amorphous
  • Fumed/Pyrogenic
  • Hydrated

Market Breakup by Application

• Coatings
• Paints
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Glass Manufacturing
• Water Treatment
• Building and Construction
• Shale Oil and Gas
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Australian Capital Territory
• Western Australia
• Others

Australia Silica Market Share

By Type Insights

Crystalline silica, comprising forms like quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite, boasts an ordered and well-defined structure and is found in natural deposits such as quartzite, sandstone, and granite, among others. High-quality quartz plays an essential role in manufacturing optical glass, fibreglass, and glass containers, among others. The rising use of crystalline silica in the construction and mining sectors is aiding the Australia silica sand demand forecast.

Amorphous silica, meanwhile, can be derived from natural resources such as diatomaceous earth or produced synthetically. It is typically used as a coagulant and filtration aid in water treatment and as an anti-caking agent in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. It can also enhance flowability and reduce clumping in powdered materials while enhancing their processing during manufacturing.

By Application Insights

In paints, silica enhances flow, reduces mud cracking, controls rheology, improves opacity, prevents settling, enhances UV resistance, and boosts barrier properties, providing enhanced durability and protection against environmental factors. Key manufacturers also use silica sand in their formulations to achieve desired effects such as increased adhesion, improved texture, and enhanced resistance to abrasion and weathering. Moreover, the rising use of silica to improve the coverage and colour retention, abrasion resistance, and durability of paints to enhance their usage in high-traffic areas is fuelling the Australia silica market expansion.

Meanwhile, silica plays a crucial role in providing various functionalities and benefits, including improved mechanical properties and rheological control, to coatings. It also improves the mechanical strength, tensile strength, hardness, and impact and UV resistance of coatings, enhancing their durability.

By End Use Insights

Glass manufacturing represents the largest share of the market as silica (silicon dioxide) comprises 70%-75% of the glass composition. High-quality silica lowers the melting point of glass, enhances its weathering and chemical resistance, improves its clearing and transparency, and increases its resilience and mechanical strength, boosting its usage in various applications. The increasing glass manufacturing and remanufacturing activities in the country are positively influencing the Australia silica sand market development. In October 2022, Visy broke ground on its glass recycling and remanufacturing factory outside Brisbane.

Meanwhile, silica sand, due to its effective shape and size, is typically used as a filtration material for effective removal of pathogens and suspended solids in water and wastewater treatment plants. It also supports coagulation processes, helps maintain the pH balance of treated water, and prevents the formation of scale in equipment and pipes. The increasing investments in the expansion of water and wastewater treatment are propelling the Australia silica sand demand growth. In June 2024, the North West Treatment Hub Growth Program, with an investment of more than USD 1.5 billion, was announced. The programme includes upgrades to Riverstone, Castle Hill, and Rouse Hill Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities.

Australia Silica Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Silica Market Trends

New South Wales (NSW) is home to high-quality hard rock silica deposits, pure silica sand deposits, and extensive friable stones ideal for processed silica sand. Major geological associations for quartz and silica sand resources include Leached Pleistocene barriers (fine to medium grain deposits), natural dunes (fine-grained silica sand), Holocene coastal dunes (processed and unprocessed silica sand), and Cenozoic alluvial deposits (high-purity quartz and coarse silica). In the region, silica with a purity of 99.5% is widely used in the glass and foundry industries.

Victoria Silica Market Analysis

The robust growth of the construction sector in Victoria is boosting the Australia silica market revenue. As per the Victorian state government in 2021, the construction sector was one of the region's largest industries, contributing USD 21.6 billion to the Victorian economy and employing 9% of the total workforce. This, coupled with increasing infrastructural development activities, is driving the demand for high-quality silica as it is a vital raw material in the production of concrete and glass.

Queensland Silica Market Overview

In Queensland, prospective and current large-scale mining operations for silica sand are located in or close to Cape Flattery, approximately 40 km north of Cooktown. The average content of silica sand produced in the region is 99.93% SiO2 and 0.01% (100 ppm) Fe2O3, one of the highest grades globally available. The presence of prominent silica sand miners in Queensland such as Cape Flattery Silica Mines Pty Ltd, Mitsubishi Corporation, Diatreme Resources Ltd, and Metallica Minerals Ltd. also provides lucrative Australia silica market opportunities.

Competitive Landscape

Key silica market players are investing in expanding their extraction and processing facilities to capitalise on the rising demand for silica, especially from the glass and construction sectors. They are also incorporating sustainable mining and processing practices to promote circular economy practices and land rehabilitation post-mining.

Key Industry Players

Australian Silica Quartz Group Limited

Australian Silica Quartz Group Limited, headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, is a mining and exploration company that is focused on producing high-quality quartz and silica products. The company is committed to sustainable mining practices and emphasises community engagement and environmental responsibility. It actively invests in research and development (R&D) activities and innovations to explore new applications for silica products and meet the evolving demands of different sectors.

Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd.

Simcoa Operations Pty Ltd., established in the late 1970s, is an Australian company that specialises in the manufacturing of high-quality silicon metal, serving sectors such as aluminium, solar energy, and chemicals. The company invests in research and development (R&D) activities to develop novel applications of silicon metals and improve its production processes to ensure its competitive advantage in the evolving market.

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd. is a prominent supplier of construction solutions and materials in Australia. Some of its product offerings include concrete, cement, environmentally sustainable solutions, and aggregates. It is one of the largest construction material companies in Australia and plays a significant role in supporting construction activities and urban development in Australia.

Other key market players include Diatreme Resources Limited, New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corporation, among others.

Recent Developments

June 2024

Diatreme Resources announced that it secured a 71.2% stake in Metallica Minerals, making it one of the largest silica sand miners in Australia. Through the takeover, the company also aims to expand its presence in the far-north Queensland silica sand resource base, centred on the Northern Silica project (NSP) located near Cape Flattery.

September 2024

Safe Work Australia published amendments to the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, aimed at strengthening protection for workers exposed to silica dust across major industries, including building and construction.