Dead Burned Magnesia Market

Market Overview

The global dead burned magnesia market size was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 6.1 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Dead Burned Magnesia Market share is expanding due to strong demand from the steel industry, greater infrastructure construction, and a focus on cleaner production processes.

Dead Burned Magnesia (DBM) is a highly refractory type of magnesium oxide created by calcining (heating to high temperatures) magnesite or magnesium carbonate. "dead burned" refers to a method that eliminates the magnesite's reactivity with carbon dioxide, leaving a stable and unreactive product.

The expansion of sectors needing high-temperature resistance, such as steel, cement, nonferrous metals, ceramics, and glass, is driving the Dead Burned Magnesia market growth. Furthermore, environmental restrictions, infrastructure expansion, and worldwide industrial growth contribute significantly to the demand for this refractory material.

Highlights

• 92%–95% occupies the maximum share of the market based on product type.
• The Steel Industry accounts for the largest market share by application.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Steel Industry Growth

The steel industry is a significant consumer of DBM, which is used in refractory applications such as furnaces and ladle linings. As global steel demand rises, particularly in emerging economies developing infrastructure, the need for refractory materials such as DBM rises accordingly. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), global crude steel production in November 2023 would be 145.5 million tonnes (Mt), up 3.3% from November 2022. In July 2023, the WSA reported that global crude steel production was 158.5 Mt, up 6.6% from July 2022. 

Additionally, steel demand will likely rise, driven by infrastructure developments, automobile manufacturing, and other industrial applications. China, the world's largest steel manufacturer, has seen strong growth in steel output due to infrastructural investments and urban development. For example, China's total steel demand in 2024 will increase by approximately 3% yearly. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) includes substantial infrastructure investments in transportation, energy, and construction, driving demand for steel and refractories such as DBM.

Similarly, another major steel producer, India, has significantly invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, railroads, and urban development. The government's efforts, such as "Make in India" and "Smart Cities Mission," have increased steel consumption, driving demand for refractories such as DBM. As a result, the steel industry's growth, as shown by increased production volumes and worldwide infrastructure investments, is a crucial stimulus for the Dead Burned Magnesia market trend.

Market Restraints

Environmental Concerns and Regulations

While DBM is noted for its stability, extracting and treating magnesite ore might have environmental consequences. Growing environmental awareness and regulatory scrutiny of industrial activities may result in tighter standards and compliance requirements for the DBM production process. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), industrial activities like calcination contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations governing industrial emissions are projected to tighten in response to climate change concerns. Regulatory authorities in various locations, such as the European Union (EU) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), impose emissions standards on industrial activities. Compliance with these regulations necessitates investment in emission control systems, which may raise manufacturing costs for DBM makers.

Additionally, China accounts for around 25% of the world's annual ozone-harming emissions, contributing to environmental change. Its carbon-intensive sections have caused other ecological problems like soil and water contamination. The governmental authority intends to cut steel production as part of its ecological goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. These factors have an impact on China's steel output.

The Environment Protection Act (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Forests' Environment Protection Rules and Regulations govern India's iron and steel sector. Before beginning operations, enterprises must obtain legal permission from the EPA to develop or expand any new iron or steel factories. Furthermore, steel companies must follow the pollution control board requirements regarding water, air, and solid waste generation and disposal. These are overseen by the Central/State Pollution Control Boards.

Market Opportunity

Technological Advancement and Innovation

Ongoing research can create advanced DBM formulations with better features like refractoriness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. Researchers may investigate adding additives or changing the manufacturing method to create enhanced formulations with superior performance in specific industrial applications. Researchers and manufacturers are investigating using nanostructured DBM, a material designed at the nanoscale to improve its qualities. Nanostructured DBM outperforms standard DBM products regarding mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and chemical corrosion resistance. Nanotechnology in refractories, particularly DBM, is gaining popularity due to its ability to improve material characteristics and performance.

Similarly, nanostructured DBM can expand DBM's usage beyond classic refractory purposes. It has potential applications in sophisticated ceramics, electronics, aerospace, and other high-tech industries. Improved qualities like heat conductivity and mechanical strength can enhance performance and longevity in demanding operating conditions. DBM producers frequently partner with research institutions and universities to foster innovation. Collaborations with academic and research institutions help to build a shared pool of information and improve the area. 

Furthermore, research projects funded by organizations such as the International Magnesium Association (IMA) and academic institutions seek to investigate alternate calcination procedures that could reduce energy usage in producing magnesia-based goods. For example, research published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds examines the production of nanostructured magnesia and its possible applications in catalysis and environmental remediation.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

The global dead burned magnesia market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America is the most significant global dead-burned magnesia market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. The primary factors fueling the growth of the provincial market are increasing demand for steel products coupled with a rise in infrastructure and business development activities. The development industry is the primary consumer of steel products in the region. The crude steel production in North America reached 120.0 million metric tons in 2019. Every year, all steel in North America gets recycled.

In recent years, the American steel industry has experienced significant expansion. Steel has consistently been the central element driving innovation and wealth in America and North America. In December 2022, North American steel output reached 9.3 million tons, reflecting a 5.3% growth compared to the previous year. The United States' steel production in 2023 amounts to 80.7 million tons, representing a marginal increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to last year, 2022. Steel is the most recyclable substance on Earth, with an annual recycling rate exceeding 60 million tons. Due to recent technical advancements that enhance its strength and reduce its weight, steel is poised to become the predominant material in the future. Consequently, there is an anticipated increase in the demand for Dead Burned Magnesia, a substance extensively employed in the steel sector, as it aligns with the expansion of the steel industry in America.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period. China has the top position in global production and consumption of Dead Burned Magnesia, boasting a robust supply network and substantial production capabilities. The country's full steel, cement, and nonferrous metals sectors drive the demand for Dead Burned Magnesia. China's abundant reserves of magnesite, competitive pricing, and strong refractories industry serve to strengthen its prevailing position in the market.

Furthermore, Japan's crude steel production reached 7.0 million tons in September 2023, 7.5 million tons in October, and 7.1 million tons in November. Japan witnessed a 9.5% year-over-year growth in steel exports in September 2023, amounting to 2.62 million tons. It will additionally stimulate the industry over the projected timeframe.

Europe holds a significant portion of the market during the projected timeframe. The bulk of manufactured magnesia intermediate products in France comprise DBM (dead burned magnesia). The glass industry in France extensively employs magnesia as a refractory lining material in melting furnaces and regenerator chambers. This is primarily owing to its exceptional thermal and pyrochemical resistance, which has significantly contributed to the growth of the market in the country.

Similarly, Germany's agricultural sector ranks among the European Union's top four producers. Approximately half of the total farmland comprises grassland and arable land, mainly used to feed over 200 million farm animals. Germany's agricultural sector is expected to grow in the coming years, leading to a rise in the demand for DBM during the projected timeframe.

The market in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa is currently in the early stages of development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as one of the leading steel consumers in the area due to its high demand. The region has allocated billions of dollars towards development initiatives, primarily focused on the World Expo 2020 in Dubai and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The UAE is projected to experience a moderate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in steel consumption, indicating increased demand for direct billet manufacturing (DBM).

Segmental Analysis

The global dead-burned magnesia market is segmented based on product type and application.

The market is further segmented by product type into Below 90%, 90–92%, 92%–95%, and Above 95%.

92%–95% occupies the maximum share of the market.

92%–95%,

The 90-92% portion maintains a significant 16% share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a solid CAGR of ~3.9% over the forecast period. DBM is a higher-quality product with magnesium oxide content ranging from 92% to 95%. This sector is excellent for industries that require high refractoriness, such as steel manufacturing. The enhanced magnesium oxide content improves the material's capacity to endure extreme temperatures, making it excellent for furnace linings and other high-temperature environments. The 92%-95% range strikes a balance between performance and cost, meeting the strict needs of specific industrial processes without incurring the more significant expense associated with higher purity levels.

Above 95%

DBM, with a magnesium oxide level greater than 95%, is a high-quality product with excellent refractory qualities. This high-purity sector is frequently used in industries with the most demanding conditions, such as specific applications in steelmaking, where maintaining purity and stability at extremely high temperatures is crucial. While more expensive, these grades provide better performance, a longer service life, and excellent chemical and thermal stress resilience. High-purity DBM is required when impurities could jeopardize the refractory lining's integrity or the quality of the finished product.

The market can be bifurcated by application into steel, cement, nonferrous metal, and glass.

Steel Industry accounts for the largest market share.

Steel Industry

The steel section accounted for the largest share of 60% in value and is projected to achieve a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~4.7% throughout the projection period. Dead Burned Magnesia (DBM) is an essential refractory material in the steel industry. More precisely, it is employed in the linings of furnaces, ladles, and other areas with high temperatures that are part of the steelmaking operations. High-purity DBM is crucial for preserving the durability of refractory linings in steel manufacture due to its exceptional refractoriness and resilience to thermal stress. It guarantees an extended lifespan even under harsh conditions, so enhancing the effectiveness and dependability of steel manufacturing.

Cement Industry

DBM, also known as dead-burned magnesia, applies to specific refractory uses within the cement industry, where it is required to withstand elevated temperatures and corrosive surroundings. It is used to construct cement kilns and other equipment exposed to high temperatures during cement production. DBM, when utilized in the cement sector, enhances the durability and efficiency of refractory linings, guaranteeing their resilience against the severe circumstances encountered in cement kilns.

Impact of covid-19

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the worldwide DBM market was determined by its use in the refractory sector. The steel business was the prominent consumer of magnesia-based essential refractories in the steelmaking process. There was a substantial interest in steel items from the construction area because of the rising demand for residential properties. Besides, its heat resistant properties and its End Users in non-ferrous metallurgy and steelmaking further supported the market development. China is a vital supporter of the DBM market development. 

The dead consumed magnesia market saw a dunk of 3.3% in 2020. Lockdowns, restrictions on mining activities, slowing down of steel production are a few factors that influenced the global market. The developed nation bore extreme losses due to a reduction in the activities of steel and construction industries. 

The rising economies of Asia Pacific recaptured business during the last phase of 2021 and the start of 2021. Due to the pollution control norms and pandemic spur, steel production was drastically affected in China. At the end of 2020, it was back on track by increasing its production capacities to 100%.

Market Recovery Timeline from the Impact of COVID-19 and its Challenges

The episode of COVID-19 and its endeavors to curb its spread caused interruptions in many mining and metal production enterprises across the globe. The general interest for magnesium builds was somewhat lower in the initial half-year of 2020, which bounced back to January as lockdowns in not many powerful nations were lifted. China stays the biggest maker of magnesite and magnesia items. Slow monetary development and strategy changes have prompted conflicting supplies and restricted accessibility of all magnesia grades in the worldwide market. 

The magnesia makers either stopped their production or worked at the half, hence balancing out the oversupplied magnesia market in the region. Additionally, pandemic-related terminations of mining exercises and lower interest from downstream areas in the initial few long periods of 2020 brought about decreased steel creation, a critical purchaser of dead-consumed magnesia.

Besides, air pollution controls were forced in significant steel-delivering territories in China, which further diminished the utilization of DBM. Liaoning Province, a vital wellspring of Chinese magnesite, embraced a six-month prohibition on the utilization of explosives which started on July 1 2020. New open pit mines were likewise restricted. Trade costs for dead-consumed magnesia from China diminished significantly, which was essentially made by a decrease sought after due to the effect of the pandemic.

Recent Developments

• October 2023- RHI Magnesita enhanced its market presence in process industries by acquiring P-D Refractories.
• January 2024- Grecian Magnesite partnered with the PERSEPHONE Project to spearhead the development of environmentally friendly methods for extracting ore. The objective of PERSEPHONE is to create cutting-edge technology for effectively exploiting the European Union's raw materials, with a specific emphasis on exploring undiscovered ore deposits near mining sites. The project aims to streamline the green transition by minimizing expenses and trash generated by underground mining activities while prioritizing human safety by eliminating the presence of workers in dangerous locations.