Silica Sand Market Size, Share, By Type (Below 70 mesh, 70-100 mesh, 100-120 mesh, 120-200mesh, and Above 200 mesh), By Application (Gas & Oil Industry, Foundry Industry, Glass Industry, Construction Industry, and Chemical Industry), and By Region – Market Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2034

Silica Sand Market Size was valued at USD 13.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% to reach USD 23.7 Billion by 2034.

Silica sand, sometimes called quartz sand, is a form of sand made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is one of the most numerous minerals on Earth, and it may be found in a variety of geological formations, including beaches, rivers, and deserts. It is mostly made of silicon dioxide, which accounts for 95-99% of the sand. Minor impurities can include iron oxides, aluminum oxides, calcium oxides, magnesium oxides, potassium oxides, and sodium oxides. Silica sand grains range in size from 0.1 to 2 mm. The grain size distribution is critical in determining the sand's appropriateness for different applications.

Silica Sand Market Drivers:   

Growth of Key End-Use Industries

• Silica sand is an essential ingredient in construction materials such as concrete, mortar, and plaster. The global increase in construction activity, particularly in rising economies such as China and India, drives up the demand for silica sand. Silica sand is the key ingredient in glass manufacture, accounting for more than 70% of the finished product's weight.

Growing Focus on Sustainability

• The building sector prioritizes sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and procedures. Silica sand, which is naturally abundant and has a low environmental impact, can benefit from this trend. Furthermore, research into using recycled glass as a partial replacement for silica sand in glass production shows promise for a more sustainable future. In water treatment operations, silica sand is utilized as filtration media to remove contaminants.

Restrains in the Silica Sand Market:

Environmental Concerns

• Silica dust, especially crystalline silica, can cause respiratory issues such as silicosis, a chronic lung disease. Stringent restrictions governing dust control during silica sand mining and processing can raise production costs for businesses. Silica sand mining and processing can use a lot of water, which raises worries about water scarcity in some areas. Additionally, inappropriate wastewater management can pollute the ecosystem.

Logistical Challenges

• Silica sand is a low-value, high-volume product. Transportation costs, particularly for long distances, can have a considerable impact on the entire price of delivered silica sand, making it less competitive in some markets. Trade conflicts, political instability, and unforeseen catastrophes such as pandemics have all caused disruptions in the global economy. These disruptions can cause supply shortages and price changes in the Silica Sand Market.

Key Opportunities in the Silica Sand Market:

Advanced Application

• High-purity silica sand is in high demand in advanced applications, including the electronics industry, where it is used to produce semiconductor wafers, a crucial Type in electronic gadgets.  High-purity silica sand is required to manufacture specialty glass types such as optical fibres for telecommunications and high-performance laboratory glassware.  Research into using recycled glass as a partial alternative for virgin silica sand in glass manufacture provides a sustainable approach. This can help lessen reliance on virgin resources while potentially lowering production costs.

Technological Advancements

• Advancements in mining techniques can optimize silica sand extraction operations, resulting in increased efficiency, less environmental impact, and potential cost savings. Developing and implementing water-saving solutions for silica sand processing can reduce water use and address environmental problems in water-scarce areas. Furthermore, investigating wastewater recycling solutions might encourage sustainable habits.

Silica Sand Market is segmented based on based on by Type, Application, and Region.

Types Insight

• Below 70 mesh - his is the coarsest variety, having particle sizes larger than 70 mesh (around 0.08mm). It is widely used in filtration, industrial sandblasting, and hydraulic fracturing.
• 70-100 mesh – Because of its high permeability and capacity to tolerate high temperatures, it is widely utilized in foundry applications for mold and core production.
• 100-120 mesh - This mid-range type is used in glass production because it provides an optimal mix of particle size and packing density for efficient glass melting.
• 120-200 mesh - Used in a variety of applications, including mortar sand, plaster, and high-performance concrete. It's also used in foundry procedures and sandblasting applications that require a finer grade.
• Above 200 mesh - This is the finest silica sand variety, having particles smaller than 200 mesh. It is used in high-performance applications such as foundry cores for complex castings and in the chemical industry for filtration and purification procedures.

Application Insights

• Gas & Oil Industry - Frac sand, a type of silica sand, is used in oil and gas exploration to fracture rock formations and increase well productivity.
• Foundry Industry - The foundry industry relies heavily on silica sand. It is employed in mold and core production because of its heat resilience, high workability, and ability to form defined shapes for metal castings.   
• Glass Industry The major raw material used in the glass industry is silica sand. Its high silicon dioxide (SiO2) content is required to produce glass with desirable qualities such as clarity, strength, and chemical resistance.    
• Construction Industry – Silica sand is commonly used in construction materials such as mortar, plaster, and concrete. Its responsibilities include increasing strength, workability, and setting properties.
• Chemical Industry - Silica sand is used in a variety of chemical processes, including filtration, water treatment, and as a filler or carrier material for other chemicals.

Silica Sand Market Regional Insights:

On region the Silica Sand Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

• North America is a big market with established silica sand producers and consumers. The important sectors include the shale gas development in the United States, which has raised demand for frac sand.
• Asia Pacific has the greatest market share due to the rapid growth of the building, glass, and foundry industries in countries such as China and India, which drives demand for silica sand.
• Europe is an established market with a focus on high-quality silica sand used in a variety of applications. Environmental rules have the potential to influence silica sand production and consumption in this region.
• Latin America area is likely to see growth in the Silica Sand Market as infrastructural development and industrial growth drive up demand for silica sand in construction and other sectors. These places have the potential to host additional silica sand reserves.
• Middle East & Africa market is expected to grow slowly over the projected period due to increased utilization of the product for water filtration in the region.

Silica Sand Market Report Scope:

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2024 to 2034. For this study, has segmented the Silica Sand Market report based By Type, By Application, and Region:

Silica Sand Market, By Types:

• Below 70 mesh
• 70-100 mesh
• 100-120 mesh
• 120-200 mesh
• Above 200 mesh

Silica Sand Market, By Application:

• Gas & Oil Industry
• Foundry Industry
• Glass Industry
• Construction Industry
• Chemical Industry

Silica Sand Market, By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

• U.S. Silica
• Sibelco
• Covia Holdings LLC.
• JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, Ltd.
• Quarzwerke GmbH
• PUM GROUP
• Badger Mining Corporation
• Mitsubishi Corporation
• Preferred Sands
• Aggregate Industries.

• In July 2024, Covia completes acquisition of a silica sand mining operation, expanding its offering. Covia, a leading provider of mineral-based and material solutions for a variety of industrial markets, announced today that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of R.W. Sidley's Industrial Minerals Division, which manufactures high-quality silica-based products for filtration, industrial, and sports applications. The acquisition of Sidley's silica sand mining facility in Thompson, Ohio, includes the quarry and reserves, as well as certain structures, machinery, and equipment required for operation. With this acquisition, Covia broadens its portfolio of industry-leading products.
• In June 2022, Autokast plans to produce bricks using silica sand. The manufacturing facility can create 4,000 bricks each day. Autokast Ltd., a public-sector ferrous foundry manufacturing firm, plans to start commercial production of eco-friendly bricks for the construction industry. It will use CSIR-NIIST technology to create bricks from silica-rich waste foundry sand.
• In November 2021, New Polymer Binds Silica Sand into Composite Material for Use in Multiple Industries. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed a water-soluble new polymer that binds silica sand for 3D printing of molds, prototypes, and parts in industries such as automotive and aviation.  The ORNL researchers developed a polyethyleneimine (PEI) binder that increased the strength of sand components compared to other binders. Binder jet printed objects are initially porous and strengthened by adding cyanoacrylate to fill gaps, resulting in eight times the strength of the initial output.

• U.S. Silica
• Sibelco
• Covia Holdings LLC.
• JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, Ltd.
• Quarzwerke GmbH
• PUM GROUP
• Badger Mining Corporation
• Mitsubishi Corporation
• Preferred Sands
• Aggregate Industries.