Mica is a generic term of a variety of aluminosilicate minerals (potassium mica, sodium mica, lithium mica, etc.) with a sheet- or flake-like structure and different chemical compositions. This variation in structure leads to the origination of two interdependent but separate mica mining industries – the sheet mica mining industry and flake mica mining industry. They vary by mining procedure, end-products, economic viability and feedstock origin. Mica features an unrivalled combination of chemical, physical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, which find it application in a number of downstream industries, including paint industry, electronics, construction, oil well drilling, rubber industry and plastics industry. It goes without saying, that the state of these industries is the main factor affecting mica production and demand growth. For instance, the invigoration of the construction industry in 2014 has positively affected mica demand growth, which grew by 1% on the previous year. Likewise, current economic slowdown, especially in China (this country is the largest mica producer with a share of nearly 71% of the global mica market), which directly influences the market for construction materials, may subdue mica demand growth.
Mica: structure of the global production by country, 2014
Resources of scrap and flake mica can be found in various rock formations and are considered sufficient to cover the current and near-future demand. World resources of sheet mica have not been formally evaluated because of the sporadic occurrence of this material. Large deposits of mica-bearing rock are known to exist in countries such as Brazil, India, and Madagascar. Limited resources of sheet mica are available in the United States. In 2014 scrap and flake mica production was estimated to hit 1,130,000 tonnes. As alluded before, the main producer of mica is China. It is followed by Russia, the USA, Finland and South Korea. Santa Fe Gold Corporation, BASF Catalysts LLC, Gunpatroy Private Limited, Franklin Industrial Minerals Co, LKAB Minerals Oy are some of the key players in this market. In general, mica production is not expected to show significant growth as average rates of 1-2% are anticipated, mainly driven by demand from electronics (film applications), plastics and cosmetics.
More information on the mica market can be found in the topical research study “Mica: 2016 World Market Review and Forecast”.