In this article, we will take a look at the 5 largest silicon producers in the world. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the silicon metal market and its growth prospects, head on over to the 16 Largest Silicon Producers in the World.
5. United States
Production of Silicon in 2022 (in thousand metric tons): 310
In the United States, the production of silicon materials mainly took place in six facilities located east of the Mississippi River in 2022. The primary consumers of ferrosilicon were the ferrous foundry and steel industries, with a significant concentration in the Eastern United States. The main source of ferrosilicon was domestically obtained quartzite, which is rich in silica. The primary users of silicon in the US include the solar energy and semiconductor industries.
4. Norway
Production of Silicon in 2022 (in thousand metric tons): 360
Norway holds the distinction of being Europe’s leading producer of both aluminium and silicon. In 2022, the country produced 360,000 metric tons of silicon. Two prominent companies engaged in the production of silicon in Norway are Elkem and Wacker. Norway benefits from its abundant hydropower resources, enabling its metal production to be among the cleanest in the world. The country’s favourable energy mix presents a unique opportunity to use sustainable and environment-friendly methods for the production of silicon and aluminium.
3. Brazil
Production of Silicon in 2022 (in thousand metric tons): 400
Brazil has secured third position on our list of the largest silicon producers in the world. RIMA holds the distinction of being Brazil’s largest silicon metal producer and ranks as the second-largest globally. The company’s silicon metal is used by various industries such as metallurgical, chemical, and photovoltaic, The Silicon Metal and Ferroalloys process employed by RIMA utilizes renewable resources, specifically charcoal and wood chips.
2. Russia
Production of Silicon in 2022 (in thousand metric tons): 640
Russia is amongst the leading silicon producers in the world, with an annual silicon production of 640,000 metric tons in 2022. Rusal is one of the leading silicon-producing companies in Russia. The company is engaged in the production of two types of products – smelter-grade silicon and refined silicon. Refined silicon is used to cater to the needs of the chemical and electrical industries in the country.
1. China
Production of Silicon in 2022 (in thousand metric tons): 6000
China is the largest producer of silicon in the world as of 2022. The country’s ample access to raw materials is evident in the stark contrast between the silicon production volumes of China and other countries. In 2022, China produced 6 million metric tons of silicon. Between 2013 and 2020, the global industrial silicon capacity witnessed a significant increase of 1.85 million metric tons. Out of this total, China made a substantial contribution of 1.72 million metric tons. In 2020, the worldwide production of silicon metal reached 3 million metric tons, with 0.8 million metric tons produced outside of China and 2.2 million metric tons produced within China. These figures reflect the dominant position China holds in the silicon industry.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at the 25 Most Powerful Militaries in the World in 2023 and the Top 15 Offshore Tax Havens in the World.
