Barite is a usually colorless or milky-white soft non-metallic mineral with a chemical formula BaSO4. It can have almost any colour, depending on the impurities, which are trapped in the mineral’s crystals during its formation. The mineral is chemically insoluble and inert, and also has a high density.
Barite has a wide range of applications. The production of weighing agents in oil extraction is considered to be the primary use of the mineral. Barite also acts as an aggregate in the preparation of cement and heavy concrete, and finds application in the extraction of different minerals. Barite chemicals are key participants in preparing storage containers for radioactive materials, rat poison, TV and computer monitor tubes, paper, rubber, oil cloth, cosmetics, white pigment, motor-vehicle clutches and brake pads. The mineral is extensively exploited in medical science.
The world’s resources of barite are estimated at approximately 2 billion tonnes. Meanwhile, only around 740 million tonnes are discovered resources. In 2012, China, India, Algeria, the US and Russia had the richest barite reserves in the world.
World structure of barite reserves by country, 2012
In 2012, the worldwide barite production grew at a slight rate to reach 8.4 million tonnes. In the same year, China accounted for over 47% of the overall barite output. China, India, Morocco, the US and Turkey held leadership positions in the world barite market in terms of production volume.
Barite: world mine production structure by country, 2012
NOV minerals, Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids, Cimbar Performance Minerals, Kareva Marketing GmbH, Barit Maden Türk A.S., Zhashui Barite Mining Co. and Zili Industrial Corporation are among the leading companies operating in the world barite market.
The worldwide barite production is poised to record slow but steady growth in the upcoming years. By 2015, it is expected to go beyond 8.52 million tonnes.
More information on the barite market can be found in the report Barite Market Review.