Bauxite and Alumina Market to Reach 250 Million Tons by 2010

Global Bauxite and Alumina Market is projected to reach 251 million metric tons by 2010. Prevailing conditions in the aluminum market play a significant role in determining demand for both bauxite and alumina. Bauxite represents the largest product segment, capturing a market share of about 76% for 2006. Australia occupies the highest market share of 32% in the global alumina production for 2006, followed by Latin America. San Jose, California (PRWEB) July 12, 2007 -- Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the fastest growing as well as the largest Bauxite and Alumina Market with a share of about 43% for 2006. Europe, the second largest market, is projected to register sales of 52 million metric tons by 2010. Bauxite ore is an important mineral used in producing alumina, the raw material that is in turn used for producing aluminum. Approximately 85% of Bauxite is converted into alumina, 5% is used in non-metallurgical bauxite applications, and the remaining 10% is utilized in other applications. Leading countries contributing for about 70% of the total mined bauxite include Australia, Guinea, Brazil and Jamaica. On the other hand, Australia, the United States, China and Jamaica account for approximately 60% of the world's alumina production. Though there has been a decline in demand for refractories over the years, application of alumina in end-use continues to remain strong owing to its better performance. The same is the case in application of both alumina and bauxite in the abrasives industry. High performance materials would influence the demand for both bauxite and alumina in future. The application of alumina trihydrate in flame-retardants, and calcined alumina in electronic ceramics and bioceramics, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.