Market Challenges And Opportunities

Market Dynamics

Ilmenite is majorly used for production of white titanium dioxide pigment. It is also used in manufacturing of all types of white and pastels shades of paints, white-walled tires, glazed papers, plastics, printed fabrics, flooring materials such as linoleum. Therefore, increasing demand for paints and coatings is expected to boost the market growth for ilmenite. Increasing demand for paper and plastics is also expected to contribute to growth of the global ilmenite market.

However, increasing concerns about adverse effects of mining activity is expected to retrain growth of the global ilmenite market. Moreover, titanium dioxide is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These factors are expected to hinder the market growth to some extent.

Ilmenite was found in Moon rocks. Although mining for commercial purposes is not allowed, key players may focus on research and development through major space agencies. This may help for commercialization of ilmenite, if allowed, in the near future.