Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Overview

Silica sand contains 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6% iron oxide. Its high melting point, exceptional chemical stability, and low thermal expansion make it an ideal material for high-quality glass production. In November 2023, Zoujaj Glass received approval from its board of directors to set up a sixth line for glass container production at its facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The facility is projected to increase the plant’s annual capacity by approximately 25,000 MT.

Figure: Domestic Cement Sales (Thousand Tons) of Leading Producers in Saudi Arabia, 2023-24

In glass manufacturing, silica sand is used as the primary source of silicon dioxide. It accounts for about 12-14% of the total batch cost in glass manufacturing. Key glass manufacturers in Saudi Arabia include Saudi Arabian Glass Co. Ltd., Safa Taiba Glass Factory Company, and Alsaeed Glass Company Factory. 

Silica sand is used as a filler material and in the production of cement, mortars, and asphalt mixtures in the construction sector. The development of ongoing mega projects like the USD 500 billion Neom, USD 23.6 billion Red Sea Global, and USD 9.8 billion Qiddiya, influence the Saudi Arabia silica sand market dynamics and trends. 

In the construction sector, silica sand is used in the production of concrete that is a mixture of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand), and other admixtures. Silica sand, used as a fine aggregate in concrete, enhances the strength and durability of the final product. Its consistent particle size and shape ensure a uniform mix, contributing to a solid and reliable concrete structure.

Figure: Market Share of Top 5 Cement Producers in Saudi Arabia, 2023-24

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Growth

The demand for high quality casting metal is gaining popularity due to the expansion of industrial sectors. As per 2024 data, Saudi Arabia is home to 19 Foundries, a 5.56% increase from 2023. The top three states with the most Foundries are Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Makkah Region. In the oil and gas market, silica sand is used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing to increase the flow rate of natural gas and oil. In July 2024, Aramco awarded USD 25 billion in contracts to expand upstream unconventional gas production, targeting a 60% increase in Saudi Arabia’s gas output from 2021 levels.

In the oil and gas market, silica sand is used as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing to increase the flow rate of natural gas and oil. In July 2024, Aramco awarded USD 25 billion in contracts to expand upstream unconventional gas production, targeting a 60% increase in Saudi Arabia’s gas output from 2021 levels. The expansion of the oil and gas sector in Saudi Arabia is further pushing the Saudi Arabia silica sand market growth.

Key Trends and Developments

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Trends

As per 2021 statistics, Saudi Arabia has the presence of high purity silica sand reserves (>98%), with 1 billion tons of reserves along with adequate energy and infrastructure. Moreover, in Saudi Arabia, there is an abundance of high-grade silica sand deposits located near Jeddah industrial city, the main glass manufacturing centre in the country. 

Silica sand plays a significant role in the oil and gas sector, particularly as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing operations. The adoption of silica sand enables the increase of production rates in the oil and gas sector, further meeting the growing demand for energy resources, and boosting the Saudi Arabia silica sand market.

According to 2024 data, the Jafurah gas field is estimated to contain resources amounting to 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate. The proven reserves are reported at 15 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and two billion stock tank barrels of condensate. 

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Opportunities

Silica sand plays a crucial role in the production of automobile components, such as tires and brake pads. In the production of tires, it is used as a filler material and reinforcing agent. Silica sand enhances the grip, fuel efficiency, and overall performance of tires, which is especially essential in wet and slippery conditions. 

As per the Saudi Arabia silica sand market analysis, in automotive paint formulation, silica sand is often used as a filler material and performance-enhancing additive. Their inclusion improves the scratch resistance and durability of paints. Silica sand’s versatility makes it an indispensable material in improving the overall performance of modern vehicles. By 2030, Saudi Arabian government aims to have 3-4 OEMs producing over 400,000 passenger vehicles. Further, by 2030, the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a rate of 12%, driven by the country’s Vision 2030 program and its ambitious goals for clean mobility and autonomous mobility. 

Silica sand is used in a diverse range of applications for water filtration, including potable and wastewater treatment, sewage treatment plants, swimming and leisure, brewing, paper processing, chemical processes, and power generation. This is significantly increasing the Saudi Arabia silica sand market share.

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Restraints

A key concern associated with silica mining is the generation of fine silica dust, referred to as respirable crystalline silica (RCS). During the processes of crushing, grinding, and handling silica ore, RCS particles are released into the air, posing an inhalation risk to workers and nearby communities. Prolonged exposure to RCS can lead to severe respiratory conditions, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, silica sand mining can lead to environmental degradation, air pollution, water contamination, and socio-economic disruptions, hampering the Saudi Arabia silica sand market. 

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Industry Segmentation

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Share

Market Analysis by Form

Extensive applications of wet sand, aid silica sand demand. 

• Washed wet silica sand undergoes significant processing using advanced technology. It is widely used in foundry, casting, alloys, glass, oil and gas, stamped concrete, water filtration, and sand plastering. 
• In its 2023 budget, Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company (NWC) has allocated around USD 20 billion for 1,218 water distribution projects, USD 20.32 billion for 857 wastewater collection projects, and USD 3.29 billion for 86 wastewater treatment plant projects.

Expanding end-use sectors provide an opportunity for dry silica sand:

• Dry silica sand is deployed in a wide variety of markets such as dry mortars, ceramics, construction, and sports facilities. 
• Saudi Arabia is experiencing a massive boom in construction projects due to it strong economic position and development of its urban areas, significantly boosting the Saudi Arabia silica sand market expansion. Saudi Arabia’s total construction output value is forecast to increase by 30% by 2028 from 2023 levels.

Market Analysis by Type

As per the Saudi Arabia silica sand market analysis, Jafurah is Saudi Arabia’s largest unconventional non-oil associated gas field, and it is potentially the biggest shale gas development outside of the United States. In February 2024, an additional 15 trillion standard cubic feet of gas was proven at the Jafurah field, with total reserves at Jafurah reaching 229 trillion cubic feet of gas and 75 billion barrels of condensates. 

In August 2024, the National Company for Glass Industries (Zoujaj) announced that its subsidiary, Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Company (Gulf Guard), has approved a plan to build a float and insulating glass factory, estimated at USD 215 million. The Gulf Guard 2 plant will be located in the Royal Jubail Industrial Commission and is expected to have a production capacity of 750 tonnes per day.

Market Analysis by Application

For glass production, silica sand must have a chemical purity of 95% SiO2, precise grain size ranging between 0.075mm and 1.18mm, and specific colour requirements. In October 2024, Saudi Arabia's Obeikan Glass Company has announced the development of a second float glass production line at Yanbu facility, with a production capacity of 650 tonnes per day.

As per the Saudi Arabia silica sand market report, silica sand is a key proppant in hydraulic fracturing, used to extract oil and gas from deep rock formations. Superior quality frac sand is characterised by high purity, round shape for smooth transport, and durability to resist crushing forces. In July 2024, Saudi Aramco awarded USD 25 billion in contracts to boost the Jafurah Shale gas production and expand the Master Gas System, targeting a 60% increase in Saudi Arabia's gas output by 2030, compared to 2021 levels.

Silica sand is a vital component in construction materials like cement, flooring, asphalt, and mortars, boosting their strength and durability. In 2023, Saudi Arabia had an installed cement capacity of 85 million tonnes per year with around 17 producers operating 22 active cement plants. Key producers include Saudi Cement, Southern Province Cement, Yanbu Cement, and Yamama Cement. 

Silica sand's high melting point make it ideal for foundries, as it can withstand extreme heat and preserves moulds for quality casting. In January 2022, Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Co., signed a preliminary agreement to build Saudi’s largest steel castings and forgings plant. It will have an annual capacity of 60,000 tons once completed in Q1 2025.

Silica sand's high purity and low levels of clay, silt, and organic matter make it an excellent water filtration medium, ensuring clean output. Its durability under high pressure, enables the long-term use of silica sand, cutting replacement needs, and minimising the maintenance costs. Such properties are favouring the Saudi Arabia silica sand market.

An expanding chemical sector in Saudi Arabia, drives the demand for silica sand. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s chemical sector aims to contribute USD 121 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030, up from USD 95 billion in 2023. This growth will be driven by investments in crude-to-chemicals (COTC) projects, downstream diversification, and sustainability-focused innovations.

Silica sand enhances paint durability and finish, serving as a key filler to boost tint strength and dirt resistance. Its oil-absorbing qualities create a pigment-rich, resilient coating, making it ideal for wear-resistant applications in paints and coatings.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Competitive Landscape

The key players in Saudi Arabia silica sand market are focused on improving the reliability of supply, price, customer relationships, processing quality, and product performance and characteristic. The development of the sector, support from the government, and market conditions all affect the rise of major market participants. Therefore, the vendors are concentrating on improving services and growing regionally.

Muadinoon Mining Company

Founded in 2007, MUADINOON is a progressive corporation involved in the mining and sale of minerals and raw material to a wide range of industries. Contributing in the Saudi economy, Muadinoon is one the country important suppliers of minerals such as industrial silica and iron.

Al Salam Al Ma’asi Co. (ASAMCO)

Al Salam Al Ma’asi Co. (ASAMCO), a member of the Almarbaie Group, is a leader in mining and constr...

Delmon Group

Delmon Group, Saudi Arabia, is a multifaceted conglomerate specializing in manufacturing, engineerin...

Al-Rasheed Co.

Al-Rasheed Silica Plant is a leading manufacturer of silica sand, silica flour, and frac sand in the...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Other key players in the Saudi Arabia silica sand market are Al-Zahid Industrial and Mining Group, Adwan Chemical Industries Co. Ltd, ad BMS Factories (Gharbalah industrial company) among others.

View Our Top Selling Reports

Seismic Services Market

Semiconductor Market

Textile Market

Tobacco Market

Trade Finance Market

Vegetable Oil Market

Africa Steel Market

Aloe Vera Gel Market

Ammonia Market

Auto Parts Manufacturing Market

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Report Snapshots

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Size

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Share

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Growth

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Market Trends

Saudi Arabia Silica Sand Companies