Rutile sand, which primarily contains titanium dioxide in the form of titanium rutile crystals, holds significant promise in 2022. This year, the rutile sand market is poised to experience strong growth driven by demand in chemicals, plastics, paints, and ceramics industries. Overall, the global rutile sand market is forecast to reach $3.4 billion USD by 2024, up from $2.6 billion in 2019.

The main driver of rutile sand demand is the titanium dioxide pigment industry, which accounts for 93% of titanium mineral consumption. Titanium dioxide pigments are non-toxic mineral pigments used as a white pigment for paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics. Due to its high refractive index, titanium dioxide is more opaque than other white pigments like zinc oxide and calcium carbonate. With consumption of titanium dioxide pigments rising 4-6% annually, demand for rutile sand as a feedstock will also grow at a steady rate.

In 2022, increased downstream activity in construction, automotive and aerospace sectors is fueling strong growth in plastics, ceramics and titanium metal applications – all of which utilize titanium dioxide and in turn, rutile sand. For instance, plastics consumption is rising over 4% yearly driven by demand in packaging, transportation equipment, building materials and healthcare products. Growth of plastics translates to higher demand for rutile sand, which is used as an ultraviolet light stabilizer and bright white pigment in plastics.

With the economy recovering in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand in end-use industries including building materials, automobiles and air travel are also rebounding. Sales of residential housing and commercial offices – which drive demand for paints, lacquers and ceramic tiles – are projected to increase over 10% in 2022 compared to 2021. Likewise, motor vehicle production is expected to rise nearly 25% this year versus last year, spurring demand for plastics and electronic components containing titanium dioxide and rutile sand.

In summary, rutile sand is indispensable in the production of titanium dioxide pigments and a variety of everyday and advanced products we have come to rely on. Backed by healthy demand fundamentals, the outlook for rutile sand in 2022 is optimistic with the market poised to reach new heights. For suppliers, tight supply conditions also mean rutile sand prices will remain on an uptrend this year, providing attractive revenue opportunities. Overall, rutile sand promises to sparkle bright like gold in 2022 with a stable mineral market, rising prices and revenues for suppliers.