Global Specialty Metals and Minerals Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Specialty Metals and Minerals Market reached US$ 7.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 12.2 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Specialty metals and minerals are used extensively in the aerospace and military sectors because of their specific qualities and dependability in harsh environments. In aerospace, aviation and military systems, metals like titanium, aluminum and high-strength alloys are essential. The need for specialty metals keeps rising as technological developments spur innovation in aerospace and military applications, which in turn promotes the globally market's progress.

The demand for specialty metals and minerals which are necessary for electric cars and renewable energy technologies has increased due to the world's growing move towards sustainable energy alternatives. Batteries for electric cars and energy storage devices are made in large part from metals like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements. The demand for these specialized materials is being driven by the increasing global use of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources, which is driving the market's overall expansion.

Asia-Pacific is among the growing regions in the global specialty metals and minerals market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. The increasing number of electric vehicles being used in the region has led to an increase in the demand for rare earth elements, cobalt and lithium, which are essential components of electric car batteries. One of the main factors propelling the Asia-Pacific specialty metals and minerals market is the expansion of the automobile industry.

Dynamics

Rapid Technological Developments in IT and Electronics

The market for specialty metals and minerals is mostly driven by the electronics and information technology (IT) industries, especially as consumer demand for sophisticated gadgets keeps rising and technology advances. Semiconductors, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic components are all made possible by metals like tantalum, copper and gold.

Furthermore, the manufacturing process utilizes technology like big data analytics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence, which raises productivity and decreases operating costs while also increasing profits. As to the findings of an Accenture analysis, artificial intelligence is expected to drive the manufacturing sector to see the highest annual gross value added (GVA) growth rate of 4.4% by 2035.

Furthermore, by 2035, artificial intelligence might boost profitability by an average of 38%, according to the paper. Higher margins from lower operating costs enable businesses to grow their output and product offerings, which propels the market for metal and mineral manufacturing in the future.

Growing Consumer Demand in Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The market for specialty metals and minerals has been significantly influenced by the growing emphasis on clean and sustainable energy solutions throughout the world. Lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements are among the metals that are essential to the manufacturing of batteries for energy storage devices and electric cars. Specialty metals like nickel, cobalt and lithium are especially important for lithium-ion batteries.

The market for specialty metals and minerals is expanding in tandem with the growing demand for renewable energy sources and electric cars, which are being spurred by government efforts and environmental concerns. As the automobile industry moves toward electrification, this trend is probably going to continue, making a safe and sustainable supply chain for these essential elements essential.

The International Energy Agency reports a tripling in lithium demand, a 70% increase in cobalt demand and a 40% rise in nickel demand from 2017 to 2022, mainly driven by the energy sector. The market size for key energy transition minerals doubled to US$ 320 billion in 2022, propelled by rising demand and high prices. Anticipating continued growth, the IEA projects a doubling of demand for critical minerals by 2031 and a three-and-a-half-fold increase in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. To meet these demands, the development of resilient, sustainable clean energy supply chains for critical minerals is crucial.

Price Fluctuations and Market Volatility

The market for specialty metals and minerals is sensitive to volatility and price swings due to several variables, including changes in demand, geopolitical events and globally economic conditions. The profitability of mining and producing activities can be strongly impacted by abrupt fluctuations in commodity prices.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other unanticipated occurrences can cause supply chain interruptions or spikes in demand, which can cause price volatility and make it difficult for organizations to forecast and manage their financial performance. In addition to creating difficulties for manufacturers and consumers alike, this uncertainty can impede investment choices and project finance.

Regulatory and Environmental Problems

The significant environmental and regulatory obstacles that the specialty metals and minerals business encounters impede its expansion. Complex environmental factors, including habitat damage, air and water pollution and waste management, are frequently involved in mining and processing operations. Globally, governments and regulatory agencies are placing more and more restrictions on the environment, compelling businesses to follow sustainable and ethical mining methods.

The total operating costs of producers of specialty metals and minerals are impacted by the significant expenditures in technology, environmental monitoring and mitigation measures required to comply with these rules. Furthermore, corporations may face difficulties in formulating and implementing their long-term objectives due to regulatory uncertainty and modified environmental laws. The might result in project delays and escalated costs associated with compliance.

Segment Analysis

The global specialty metals and minerals market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Rising Demand for Metals and Minerals in Construction Industry

The constrcution segment is among the growing regions in the global specialty metals and minerals market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. The specialty metal and mineral market is anticipated to increase rapidly in the next years due to the construction industry's fast expansion. The term "construction industry" describes a broad range of activities related to the creation, upkeep and repair of infrastructure. The building industry uses a variety of metals and minerals, such as copper, aluminum, zinc, manganese, limestone, dolomite and calcite.

For instance, as of October 2023, U.S. Census Bureau a significant US-based organization within US Federal Statistics System estimates that construction expenditures in August 2023 will total US$1,983.5 billion, up 0.5% (1.2%) from the revised July estimate of US$1,973.7 billion. Moreover, the August sum exceeds the August 2022 prediction of US$1,847.3 billion by 7.4% (1.8%). Consequently, the market for metals and minerals in particular is being driven by the building sector's explosive growth.

Geographical Penetration

Growing Demand for High-Performance Materials and Specialty Metals and Minerals in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific has been a dominant force in the global specialty metals and minerals market. The industrial sector is expanding quickly in countries like China, India and Japan, especially in the construction, electronics and aerospace industries. Because of the rising need for high-performance materials, there is a greater need for specialty metals and minerals with particular qualities, including heat-resistant metals for building or lightweight yet strong alloys for airplanes.

Additionally, many governments in the Asia-Pacific actively support the growth of the specialty metals and minerals industry because they understand its strategic significance. The entails putting laws in place to draw in foreign capital, creating special economic zones for mining and processing operations and encouraging study and advancement in the mining sector.

For Instance, in 2022, Zimbabwe invested in a US$ 2.8 billion factory to process metals for lithium-ion batteries in a special economic zone near Harare. Funded by Chinese investors, the facility is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. It will produce materials like lithium-salt and nickel-sulfate and will have power stations to meet its energy needs. The metals are used in electric vehicles, solar energy storage and other applications.

For Instance, in 2023, The mining giant BHP acquired OZ Minerals through the scheme of arrangement's execution. OZ Minerals' ultimate parent company is currently the mining behemoth. The scheme consideration, in which BHP paid US$26.50 for each OZ Minerals share held at the scheme record date of 7 p.m. on April 24, 2023, was distributed to OZ Minerals shareholders today, for a total cash consideration of US$28.25 per share. According to reports, the transaction values OZ Minerals at US$9.6 billion, making it the most significant merger and acquisition (M&A) to occur in Australia in the previous 18 months.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The specific metals and minerals market has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as have other global markets. The early phases of the pandemic produced a downturn in demand for multiple specialized metals and minerals due to supply chain interruptions, decreased industrial activity and economic uncertainty. The total demand and output of metals and minerals utilized in many sectors were influenced by the limitations on mobility and commercial operations, as well as a decrease in industrial activity.

The automotive and aerospace sectors, which are big users of specialty metals, felt a big portion of the effects. The market for materials like titanium, aluminum and specialty alloys declined as a result of manufacturing plant temporary closures, transportation problems and a drop in consumer expenditure on expensive goods. The demand for metals like copper and zinc was also impacted by delays and interruptions in industries like infrastructure and construction.

The pandemic's notable side effect was the instability of commodities prices. Changes in market mood, fewer mining activities and supply chain logistical risks all contributed to price variations for several specialty metals. To respond to changing market conditions, businesses in the industry had to manage inventories, change production levels and reevaluate their strategic goals.

The market for specialty metals and minerals is anticipated to grow as the world economy progressively recovers from the pandemic's initial effects. Ongoing uncertainty, weak points in the supply chain and changes in consumer behavior, however, nevertheless present difficulties for the sector. To create a more resilient and flexible specialty metals and minerals industry in the wake of COVID-19, businesses are putting a greater emphasis on resilience, digitization and sustainability practices.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The geopolitical tension or battle involving major producing or exporting countries can have a variety of effects on the global market for specialty metals and minerals. Significant actors in the world's mineral resource scene are both Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine is rich in iron ore, titanium and other minerals, whereas Russia is well-known for its enormous deposits of several metals, including nickel, palladium and rare earth elements.

However, historically, the markets for products, including specialized metals and minerals, have been significantly impacted by geopolitical events, particularly those involving large resource-producing states. Changes in trade regulations, supply chain disruptions and volatile markets can all lead to price volatility and impact the availability of specific metals and minerals globally.

Geopolitical changes are widely watched by investors, industry stakeholders and market players since they have the potential to impact market dynamics and corporate plans. Businesses in the specialty metals and minerals sector should keep abreast of geopolitical developments and evaluate their possible effects on the industry, since there is a chance that these events can upset supply chains and market dynamics.

By Type

• Metals
  • Precious Metals
• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Others
  • Base Metals
• Copper
• Zinc
• Nickel
• Aluminum
• Lead
• Others
  • Refractory Metals
• Tungsten
• Molybdenum
• Niobium
• Tantalum
• Rhenium
• Others
  • Rare Earth Metals
• Lanthanum
• Cerium
• Neodymium
• Yttrium
• Praseodymium
• Samarium
• Gadolinium
• Others
  • Specialty Alloys
• Titanium Alloys
• Cobalt Alloys
• Nickel-Based Alloys
• Aluminum Alloys
• Cobalt-Based Alloys
• Copper Alloys
• Iron-Based Alloys
• Others
  • Others
• Minerals
  • Industrial Minerals
• Graphite
• Barite
• Feldspar
• Fluorspar (Fluorite)
• Others
  • GemsTons
• Diamonds
• Emeralds
• Sapphires
  • Rare Earth Minerals
• Monazite
• Bastnasite
• Xenotime
• Others
  • Lithium Minerals
• Spodumene
• Petalite
• Lepidolite
• Others
  • Others
• Others

By Application

• Electronics
• Constrcution
• Aerospace
• Manufacturing
• Medical
• Mining
• Automotive
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On April 18, 2023, Neo has acquired a majority stake in SG Technologies (SGTec) Group Limited, a leading European specialty manufacturer known for producing high-performance magnets, including rare-earth-based magnets. As part of its strategic expansion, Neo plans to initiate the production of sintered rare earth magnets in Estonia by 2025. The focus markets include electric vehicles, electronics, energy-saving specialized motors and other emerging technologies crucial to the global energy transition. The move significantly enhances Neo's footprint in rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing in Europe.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Alcoa Corporation, BHP Group, Rio Tinto, Vale S.A., Anglo American plc, Norsk Hydro, Glencore, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. and Lynas Rare Earths Limited.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global specialty metals and minerals market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of specialty metals and minerals market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global specialty metals and minerals market report would provide approximately 54 tables, 47 figures and 185 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies