Extensive Application of Titanium Dioxide Drives the Rutile Market Growth

Introduction

The extractions of the titanium dioxide from rutile have found applications in various industry verticals. Titanium dioxide particles have an extensive application due to their high stability, photocatalytic properties, and anti-corrosive nature. They are used in consumer products, such as sunscreens, and as components for articulating implants for the hip and knee. Further, they are widely used as a catalyst in semiconductor photocatalysis, water treatment plants, and as a photoactive material in nanocrystalline solar cells. The higher demand for titanium dioxide is considered as a positive factor for the global rutile market. Other applications in self-cleaning tiles, textiles, windows, and anti-fogging car mirrors are expected to strengthen the market growth during the forecast period.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Rutile Market

COVID-19 has severely impacted various industries across the globe and has forced industrialists to halt operations. The work of the chemical industries and the extraction of the chemicals are on site, which is largely disrupted by the pandemic. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has disrupted live operations across industries, and the mining sector is no exception.

Key Highlights

• The global rutile market is expected to grow at a lucrative growth rate with a CAGR of xx%, owing to its multiple applications in industries such as paints and coatings, papers & plastics, automotive, and many others.
• Synthetic rutile is projected to have a larger market share with 20-30% strongly backed by the easy availability of ilmenite, which is used in the production of synthetic rutile.
• Most of the rutile production is used in the extraction of titanium dioxide. The use of titanium coatings in the burgeoning automobile industry is further expected to drive the global rutile market.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global rutile market as the region enjoys large reserves of titanium dioxide. In the region, China, India, and Australia account for most of the rutile and ilmenite reserves, attracting more players in the region.
• Some of the key players in the global rutile market are Yucheng Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd., Jiangxi Jinshibao Mining Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Shanghai Yuejiang Titanium Chemical Manufacturer Co., Ltd., Abbott Blackstone, Iluka Resources Limited, Tronox Limited, Sierra Rutile Limited, CRISTAL, TOR Minerals, Murray Basin Titanium Pty. Ltd., Rio Tinto and many others
• The key players in the market are expanding operations in South Africa for untapped rutile reserves in the region.

Competitive Players

1. Tronox Holdings PLC
2. Iluka Resources Limited
3. Rio Tinto
4. East Minerals
5. IREL (India) Limited
6. Yucheng Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd.
7. Jiangxi Jinshibao Mining Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd
8. Shanghai Yuejiang Titanium Chemical Manufacturer Co., Ltd
9. Abbott Blackstone
10. CRISTAL
11. Sierra Rutile Limited
12. TOR Minerals
13. Murray Basin

 

Recent Developments

Recent Developments

• February 2024- Sovereign Metals aimed to become the leading producer of rutile and graphite. Sovereign Metals Ltd is working with Rio Tinto, its strategic investor, to explore and develop its flagship Kasiya rutile-graphite property in Malawi. Sovereign Metals Ltd has initiated a comprehensive follow-up drilling campaign at its Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project in Malawi, with a focus on the northern region outside the existing resource area. 

Segmentation

1. By Application 
   
   1. Plastics and Papers
   2. Paints and Coatings
   3. Automotive
   4. Food
   5. Other 
2. By Availability
   1. Natural Rutile
   2. Synthetic Rutile