Brine Concentration Minerals Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2025 - 2032

Brine Concentration Minerals Market Size and Share Analysis

The global brine concentration minerals market is estimated to reach a size of US$ 1,251 Mn in 2025. It is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 8.5% through the assessment period to attain a value of US$ 2,215 Mn by 2032.

Growing demand for lithium-ion batteries and improvements in water treatment and desalination technologies are driving growth in the brine concentration minerals market. Increasing demand for lithium, a crucial component in EV batteries, is primarily driven by innovative extraction methods that enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. For instance,

• In September 2024, SLB (formerly Schlumberger) announced the commercial launch of its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) system after successful testing in Nevada. This system achieves 90% extraction efficiency, higher than the traditional 50%, and aims to produce lithium for EV batteries by 2027.

In the purification and desalination procedures of brine-derived water treatment, especially in arid locations such as the Middle East and North Africa, magnesium and potassium are essential minerals. Minerals like magnesium, potassium, and bromine are finding a variety of uses outside of their conventional applications. Technological developments and huge expenditures on water infrastructure projects are driving market growth.

For example, magnesium is utilized in lightweight alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries, while potassium compounds are integral in healthcare supplements and pharmaceuticals. The brine concentration minerals market is likely to experience growth in the next ten years due to its evolving applications and commitment to sustainable practices.

Key Highlights of the Market

• Brine concentration methods are in high demand in chemical industry due to the need to clean industrial effluent.
• Demand for electric vehicle batteries is driving growth of lithium extraction projects from brine resources.
• Focus on Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems in industrial processes is leading to a rising use of brine concentration.

• Strict environmental regulations regarding wastewater disposal are driving industries to invest in brine concentration systems.
• In 2025, magnesium derivatives are estimated to attain a market share of 38.2% due to their high efficiency in multiple industries.  
• In 2025, metallurgical applications are set to hold a dominant 41.5% market share owing to rising utilization in metal production.
• North America is projected to hold a market share of 28.6% in 2025 due to ongoing development of desalination technologies. 
• Asia Pacific is anticipated to generate a market share of 42.3% in 2025 with industrialization in emerging nations. 

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Brine Concentration Minerals Market Size (2025E)	US$ 1,251 Mn
Projected Market Value (2032F)	US$ 2,215 Mn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032)	8.5%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	7.3%

Developments in Desalination Technology to Present Avenues in North America

North America is set to hold 28.6% of the global brine concentration technology market share in 2025, with a forecast CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2032. It is driven by investments in novel purification and desalination technologies.

Demand for water purification solutions due to environmental concerns, as well as the development of high-efficiency brine management technologies for industrial wastewater treatment and sustainable water usage, drove a 10.2% growth in the desalination market in North America in 2023.

• In October 2023, Evoqua Water Technologies launched its new brine concentrator system, designed to maximize freshwater recovery while minimizing industrial waste.
• In November 2023, Aquatech International partnered with a key U.S.-based mining firm to deploy Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology for brine purification.

Companies in North America are spearheading brine concentration technology developments due to increased regulatory emphasis on sustainability and water saving.

Widespread Manufacturing Activities in Asia Pacific to Boost Brine Extraction

Asia Pacific is projected to hold 42.3% of the global market share in 2025. The region's demand for brine-extracted minerals, such as lithium, potassium, and magnesium, is set to report a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2032.

China's economic power, vast manufacturing sector, and position as the world's largest EV producer have led to an 18% growth in lithium consumption in 2023, fueled by its booming battery production capacity. For example,

• In October 2023, Tianqi Lithium announced a US$ 2 Bn investment in broadening its lithium brine extraction operations in Qinghai.
• In November 2023, Ganfeng Lithium partnered with Australia-based miners to secure sustainable lithium supply chains, highlighting Asia Pacific's significant role in brine mineral extraction. 

Magnesium Derivatives Gain Momentum with Rising Use in Several Industries

Magnesium derivatives are likely to dominate the brine concentration minerals market, accounting for 38.2% of share in 2025, due to their widespread use in various industries. The rise in lightweight automotive components has boosted magnesium alloy demand, resulting in a 12% increase in global magnesium consumption in 2023, thereby promoting sustainable transportation.

• In October 2023, Rusal announced a US$ 500 Mn investment in extending magnesium alloy production to meet rising demand from EV manufacturers.

In agriculture, magnesium sulfate is widely used as a fertilizer, with Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) launching a new magnesium-enriched product line in November 2023. Magnesium oxide systems are gaining popularity in the construction industry for fire resistance, with unique fire-rated boards introduced by Magnesium Oxide Systems Ltd. in late 2023.

Surging Metal Manufacturing to Boost Demand in Metallurgical Application

The metallurgical segment is anticipated to hold 41.5% of the global brine concentration minerals market share, driven by demand for refractories in steel production, non-ferrous metal processing, and glass manufacturing. Brine-derived minerals like MgO, CaO, and alumina are crucial for producing heat-resistant refractory materials, and global steel production increased by 4.8% in 2023, boosting demand for high-performance refractories. For instance,

• In October 2023, RHI Magnesita, a leading refractory manufacturer, announced a US$ 200 Mn investment to enhance magnesium oxide extraction from brine sources for advanced refractory production.
• In November 2023, Vesuvius PLC launched a high-purity calcium oxide-based refractory plant to improve furnace efficiency in the non-ferrous metal industry and meet the rising demand for minerals obtained from brine.

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

Demand for brine concentration technology is increasing due to rising need for lithium extraction in EV batteries and industrial wastewater treatment in chemical manufacture. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems are gaining traction as industries adopt brine concentration technologies to minimize wastewater discharge. For instance,

• In 2023, Evoqua Water Technologies extended its presence in Texas by acquiring Bob Johnson and Associates, enhancing its capabilities in water treatment solutions.

Brine concentration techniques are being used in mining operations due to water constraints, but membrane-based systems and cutting-edge procedures like Counter Flow Reverse Osmosis are increasing productivity and environmental compliance. To meet stringent environmental requirements, the agriculture industry is taking advantage of the rising demand for minerals like potash and magnesium, which is driving investment in cutting-edge brine concentration technology.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The global brine concentration reserves market recorded a CAGR of 7.3% in the historical period from 2019 to 2023. In the same period, the industry experienced geographical expansion as well as technological developments in brine concentration. For instance,

• Guangxi Tianyuan New Energy Materials Co., Ltd., a division of Albemarle Lithium UK Limited, was purchased by Albemarle Corporation for around US$ 200 Mn. The maximum capacity of the lithium conversion facility run by Tianyuan is 25,000 metric tons LCE.
• Albemarle opened its third chemical conversion facility, La Negra III/IV, in Antofagasta, Chile, in June 2022, with the goal of doubling lithium output while reducing low freshwater usage. The biggest solar system in Oman was constructed by Veolia Water Technologies and TotalEnergies.
• Anson Resources Limited identified suppliers for the pre-treatment sections and finished the engineering design for the brine pre-treatment. The first coal flue gas desulfurization wastewater treatment pilot in the southern U.S. was implemented by Saltworks.

Demand for brine concentrations is estimated to record a considerable CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period between 2025 and 2032.

Market Growth Drivers

Concerns over Water Scarcity to Bolster Adoption

Brine concentration methods are being adopted for mineral extraction and water recovery due to water shortages, particularly in mining operations that need sustainable water management. The need for sustainable water solutions, such as enhanced desalination and zero-liquid discharge systems, drove a 12.5% rise in global expenditures in industrial water recycling in 2023. For instance,

• In October 2023, Veolia Water Technologies launched its Brine Concentrator 2.0, an advanced system designed to recover freshwater while extracting lithium and other minerals from mining wastewater.
• In November 2023, Desalitech announced a partnership with Rio Tinto to deploy high-efficiency reverse osmosis systems for brine concentration in its copper mining operations.

Brine concentration technology is becoming vital for efficient operations and ethical resource management as governments tighten water rules and businesses prioritize sustainability.

Surging Lithium Extraction Projects from Brine Resources  

Rising demand for lithium-ion batteries, in the electric vehicle sector drives investment in lithium extraction projects from brine resources. Since brine-based lithium extraction is more economical and has less environmental impact, it is becoming popular. In 2023, demand for lithium will rise by 21% worldwide as EV makers look for high-purity, sustainable supplies. For instance,

• In October 2023, Albemarle Corporation announced a US$ 1.3 Bn expansion of its Chilean lithium brine operations to meet the rising need for battery-grade lithium.
• In November 2023, Lithium Americas launched production at its Caucharí-Olaroz brine facility in Argentina, one of the world’s largest lithium brine projects.

Automakers like Tesla and BYD are increasing EV production, requiring lithium extraction from brine resources to meet supply chain demands and maintain global electrification.

Market Restraining Factors

High Prices of Minerals and Complex Operations

Low mineral concentration and selective mineral recovery provide problems for the brine concentration minerals industry. Low starting concentrations can make the extraction process, which entails separating and concentrating target minerals, difficult. More processing stages and sophisticated technology are needed for selective recovery.

High operating costs and problems with product quality are caused by the energy-intensive extraction process, which includes evaporation, precipitation, and crystallization. This is especially evident in electronics. Innovative approaches are required to counter these, such as sophisticated process control techniques and energy-efficient extraction systems.

Mineral price volatility is a significant challenge influenced by global demand, geopolitical events, and technological advancements. Industry players must adopt strategic measures, diversify applications, optimize extraction processes, and explore long-term contracts.

Key Market Opportunities

Development of Specialized Technology Displays Beneficial Prospects

New extraction, processing, and purifying techniques brought about by technological developments in brine concentrating minerals increase economic viability and lower production costs while providing efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

• According to studies, the solar evaporation technology accounted for a market share of 46.3% of the brine concentration minerals market in 2025.

The efficiency and operational costs of mineral recovery are increased by technological developments in membrane-based systems. Environmentally friendly extraction techniques, such as closed-loop systems, waste reduction plans, and better energy use, are made possible by technical breakthroughs.

Such developments broaden the market for brine-extracted minerals beyond conventional applications to include new industries including sophisticated ceramics, aerospace, and medicines. Adapting extraction procedures to the unique requirements of various sectors increases market penetration and opens up new business prospects.

Rising Desalination Projects Worldwide

Surging desalination facilities throughout the world provide chances to extract minerals from concentrated brine streams. Desalination capacity is predicted to rise from 115 million cubic meters per day in 2024 to over 150 million cubic meters per day by 2030 due to growing worries about water shortages worldwide.

• Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia are heavily investing in desalination infrastructure.
• In January 2024, ACWA Power announced a US$ 800 Mn desalination project in Saudi Arabia, incorporating advanced brine concentration technologies to extract valuable minerals like lithium, magnesium, and potassium.

Innovation in mineral extraction is being driven by technological developments in brine mining, such as Veolia's Zero Brine program and Gradiant's selective ion recovery technique. Companies like EnergyX and Lilac Solutions are using direct lithium extraction methods to recover lithium from desalination brine, addressing the growing demand from the electric vehicle battery sector.

Competitive Landscape for the Brine Concentration Minerals Market

The brine concentration minerals market is experiencing a dynamic shift, characterized by a series of continuous developments that promise to drive its growth. Key activities, such as innovative product launches, strategic mergers and acquisitions, collaborative agreements, and expansions, are shaping the landscape of this market.

Key manufacturers in the market are actively pursuing new product introductions along with cutting-edge technological developments to maintain their competitive edge and strengthen their position. These initiatives not only cater to evolving consumer demands but also enhance efficiency and sustainability in mineral extraction and processing.

Recent Industry Developments

• In May 2024, Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) planned to launch sustainable lithium extraction projects to diversify revenue and finance state programs, while embracing electric vehicle adoption and constructing a processing plant.
• In April 2024, the University of Saskatchewan awarded US$ 1.39 Mn to study lithium-brine origins using lithium isotopes, a crucial material in the renewable energy transition.
• In December 2023, Ganfeng Lithium Group began production at the Cauchari-Olaroz Salt Lake project in Argentina, one of the largest global Salt Lake lithium extraction projects, with a planned Phase 1 capacity of 40,000 tons.
• In September 2023, Albemarle Corporation received a US$ 90 Mn grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to support domestic mining and lithium production, aiming to reopen its Kings Mountain lithium mine.
• In March 2023, Albemarle Corporation planned to invest US$ 1.3 Bn in Chester County, South Carolina, to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries.

Brine Concentration Minerals Industry Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2025 to 2032
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Million for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America Europe East Asia South Asia and Oceania Middle East and Africa Latin America
Key Market Segments Covered	Type Application Technology Region
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	Magrathea  Olokun Minerals Albemarle Corporation Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd. Arcadium Lithium ICL Industrial Products SQM S.A. Solvay SEALEAU Konoshima Chemical Co., Ltd.
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

Brine Concentration Minerals Industry Segmentation

By Type     

• Sodium Derivatives
• Potassium Derivatives
• Calcium Derivatives
• Magnesium Derivatives
• Others

By Application 

• Metallurgical
• Pharmaceutical and Food & Beverages
• Water Treatment
• Fertilizers
• Construction
• Others

By Technology

• Solar Evaporation
• NF-RO-MF
• Osmotically Assisted RO (OARO)
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Oceania
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

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