In this brief article, we’ll cover the biggest barite producing countries in the world and shed light on their reserves. If you want more in-depth information about where is barite found in the world, its important uses, and the global market of barite, read 12 Largest Barite Producing Countries in the World.
5. United States
Barite Mine Production in 2019: 0.39 million metric tons
The United States is among the top 5 largest barite producing countries in the world. It produced a noteworthy 0.39 million metric tons of barite in 2019, mostly through open-pit mining. The biggest barite deposits of barite in the US are located in the Railroad Mining District in Elko County, Nevada. Also, geological studies conducted in Nevada and Georgia show an abundance of barite, signifying its economic importance. Investigations reveal that the barite deposits are possibly linked to the tectonic activities associated with the Northern Nevada Rift and contain high-grade ore suitable for industrial application.
4. Kazakhstan
Barite Mine Production in 2022: 0.50 million metric tons
Another irreplaceable barite producer in the world is Kazakhstan, with yet-to-explore reserves. In 2022, Kazakhstan saw a mine throughput of 0.5 million metric tons of barite. Such a solid position in the barite mining industry stems from Kazakhstan’s exceptionally rich barite reserves. These reserves are estimated at 85 million metric tons and suggest an extensive potential for the nation’s mining industry in forthcoming years. Moreover, the vast majority of these reserves are concentrated in the Karaganda region, as its geology encapsulates hydrothermal veins and sedimentary rocks. The country’s robust mining infrastructure also facilitates the extraction and processing of barite and translates into a promising prospect for the global barite market.
3. Morocco
Barite Mine Production in 2022: 1.30 million metric tons
Owing to its dense sulfate mineral deposits, Morocco saw a barite mine throughput of 1.3 million metric tons in 2022. This positions Morocco as the third largest barite producing country in the world. Because of the country’s rich deposits in Cretaceous metasediments, primarily exposed in quarries near Nador, its mine yield of barite has been consistent in the past. Geochemical analysis of the Nador barite reveals a remarkably high barium sulfate content that demonstrates the deposit’s high grade and quality.
2. China
Barite Mine Production in 2022: 1.90 million metric tons
China, being the 2nd foremost global producer of barite, confirmed a yield of 1.9 million metric tons in 2022. This production volume stems from China’s expansive barite reserves, quantifying 37 million metric tons yet to be exploited. The primary barite-containing region in China is Ganzhou province because of its karst topography and strata-bound mineralization process. The geological composition of this province, replete with hydrothermal deposits, supports such vast barite reservoirs.
1. India
Barite Mine Production in 2022: 2.60 million metric tons
India is the largest barite producing country in the world, whose mine throughput of barite was 2.6 million metric tons in 2022. Because of India’s extensive barite reserves of 51 million metric tons, the country offers a substantive resource base for the mineral. Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh amounts to 98% of India’s total barite production, owing to its mineral-supporting topography. India’s methodical extraction procedures and generous reserves will continue to facilitate the effective exploitation of barite.
Insider Monkey is committed to delivering the latest investment news and financial insights to your inbox. So keep your finger on the pulse of the markets by joining our community of well-informed investors and ensure your front-row seat to the financial world. Learn more about global development in the minerals and mining section by reading 15 Largest Steel Producing Countries in the World and 15 Largest Zinc Producing Countries in The World.
