Some Data on Mining Chemicals Sales

An Internet search found marketing research reports with estimates that 2015 sales of chemicals used in mining are around $22 billion.  The reports also indicate that the six leading mining chemical categories (categories being the function that the chemicals provide) are (in order of sales):  1) grinding aids; 2) sulfide collectors; 3) flocculants; 4) frothers; 5) other collectors; and 6) solvent extractants.  The table below shows for each category the estimates of total global sales represented by the categories and also some companies that sell the category products.

mining chemical category	estimated % of total sales	amount of total sales ($ billions)	chemical companies
grinding aids	48%	10.6	solvay; dow; basf
sulfide collectors	18%	4.0	solvay; clariant
flocculants	16%	3.5	nalco; kemira
frothers	12%	2.6	huntsman; snf flomin
other collectors	4%	0.9	nasaco; akzonobel
solvent extractants	2%	0.4	basf; snf flomin
	total sales	22.0

  

The performances of these chemicals are vital in many ways for extracting higher percentages of metals out of ores.  Many major chemical companies, e.g. those identified in  the table, likely are pursuing increased mining chemical research and development, recognizing the value that increased mining chemical performances can bring to improved metal extraction.