by Industrial garnet consists of a group of silicate minerals largely used as abrasives owing to their hardness. The key products of industrial garnets include almandine, andradite, grossular, pyrope, spessartine, and uvarovite. These garnets find major applications in water jet cutting technology, abrasive blasting, water filtration, abrasive powders, and others. Water jet cutting technology utilizes garnet abrasives mixed with high-pressure water for precisely cutting hard materials like granite, glass, metal alloys, and plastics. The technology offers several advantages like minimizes heating effect on workpiece and leaves smooth finish without burns, making it suitable for cutting heat-sensitive materials.
The global Industrial Garnet Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1024.4 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics
The increasing usage of garnet abrasives in water jet cutting technology is one of the major drivers propelling the industrial garnet market growth. Water jet cutting technology utilizes finely ground garnet as an abrasive medium for precisely cutting hard materials. Garnet provides benefits like remaining stable at high water pressures up to 60,000 PSI without degradation and producing precision cuts. This has boosted its adoption over other abrasives like silica sand in water jet cutting. Additionally, the expansion of construction industry worldwide is also fueling the consumption of garnet, as it is used for cutting marble, granite, and ceramic tiles. Rising infrastructure development is thus augmenting the market demand. Furthermore, growing oil and gas industry is another factor propelling the market growth as garnet-based water jets are highly used for removing coatings and for cleaning and cutting oil rig materials.
Segment Analysis
The industrial garnet market is dominated by the abrasive sub segment. Around 80% of the industrial garnet produced globally is used for abrasive blasting, water jet cutting, abrasive powders, abrasive wheels, and other abrasive applications. Garnet is a cost effective and efficient abrasive material as compared to other abrasives like aluminium oxide and silicon carbide. It produces consistent results and helps in preserving the base material during blasting and cutting.
PEST Analysis
- Political: The mining regulations and environmental laws in garnet mining countries influence the supply of industrial garnet. Changes in political stability could also impact mining activities.
- Economic: The growth of the industries that use garnet abrasives like steel, marine, construction will drive the demand for industrial garnet. Economic slowdowns may negatively impact these end-use industries.
- Social: There are no major social factors influencing the industrial garnet market.
- Technological: Development of new applications of industrial garnet in industries like waterjet cutting and various surface preparation techniques will support the market growth. Advances in garnet processing may help in reducing costs.
Key Takeaways
The global industrial garnet market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period due to increasing applications in abrasive blasting, waterjet cutting, water filtration and automotive applications.
Regionally, India and Vietnam are emerging as the fastest growing markets. Production of garnet in India and Vietnam is dominated by private companies owning gem-quality garnet mines. Both countries are also significant exporters of industrial garnet supporting the requirement in global markets.
Key players operating in the industrial garnet are GMA Garnet Group, Indian Ocean Garnet Sands Company Ltd., Trimex Sands Private Limited, Barton International, Zircon Mineral Co., Mohawk Garnet Inc., Opta Minerals Inc., V.V. Mineral Pvt. Ltd., Beach Minerals Company, and Rizhao Garnet Ltd.
