Global Calcium Carbonate Market Growth – Contributing to Food Security

With a chemical formula CaCO₃ and physical properties like blocky particle shape, high brightness, insoluble in water, odorless, relatively soft (3 on mohs scale), and thermal conductivity calcium carbonate products cater to a wide range of industries which constitutes adhesives, agriculture, construction, food, paint, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and rubber, among others. As a vital and multifaceted mineral calcium carbonate is one of the most widespread minerals on the earth crusts and can be found in nature in the form of 3 principal kinds of rocks which are chalk – a soft rock commonly associated with impurities of siliceous nature, limestones which in comparison with chalk are harder, purer and whiter and marble which is the hardest and the purest form of the mineral. This kind of calcium carbonate is known as GCC or ground calcium carbonate. The second kind of calcium carbonate is synthetic and is called PCC or precipitated calcium carbonate which has the same chemical properties as that of GCC but in terms of particle size distribution and shape has different properties and are pure. It finds its application in areas where it necessitates higher brightness or a narrow particle size distribution. 

Key developments that are poised to drive the growth of the global calcium carbonate market during the forecast period.

In March 2020, it was reported that Omya which is a globally renowned producer of mineral ingredients has developed a natural source for calcium with properties of very fine particles to enhance powdered infant products comprising ready to use infant drinks, as well as biscuits and cereals intended for smaller children. The product is called Omya Calcipur that is made available in two grades of natural calcium carbonate particles namely 95-KP and 115-KP and is known to meet E170, FCC, and USP purity requirements provides stability and a high Ca2 content due to natural ground calcium carbonate. In October 2020, in an endeavor towards making buildings more sustainable a team at MIT led by professor Xiulin Ruan of Purdue University found a breakthrough by using finely ground calcium carbonate in white paints as a medium of ultraviolet light absorption which otherwise is known to use titanium oxide. This new white paint has the potential for greater energy efficiency for both cities and homeowners.

In November 2020, a team from the Memorial University of Newfoundland in St John’s has discovered a new spongey form of calcium carbonate which has the potential use in biomedicine or oil spill remediation. In December 2020, the Sultanate of Oman with a total investment which is in the order of $2.5 billion has made 33 projects and initiatives available on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. Among the aforesaid, the scope of small-scale investment is also made available that include, among others, a ground calcium carbonate factory valued at $7.25 million. As of December 2020 Agata, Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) which is a subsidiary of TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc. – an affiliate of TVI Pacific Inc. (TSX: TVI) has been reported to carry out its feasibility evaluation for commencing the production of higher value ground calcium carbonate product catering to the paper and plastics industries in Asia.

World Maize Consumption Projections

In Mt

Source: FAO

By industrial application, the segment of agriculture is anticipated to hold a substantial share of the market facilitating the growth of the market

Agriculture and the chemicals and materials industry are inalienable. Withing the plethora of agrochemicals, fertilizers are key determinants for ensuring food security. Such is the importance of fertilizers that the fertilizer market was valued at US$206.392 billion for the year 2019 by Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence LLP which is forecasted to grow at a CAGR 1.98% to attain a market size of US$232.221 billion by the year 2025. The main contributions of calcium carbonate are (1) ensuring plant performance with a healthier root system, (2) facilitate higher levels of availability of phosphorus (p) (3) reinforce nitrogen (n) fixation by legumes, (4) soil acidity neutralization which leads to efficient water use (5) strengthen nitrification and n mineralization, (6) stronger uptake of nutrient and (7) to provide calcium (Ca) for plant nutrition. Additionally, as per the FAO, the average per capita of food availability is forecasted to reach about 3000 kcal and 85 g of protein per day by 2029.

Moreover, fats and staples would account for about 60% of the additional calories. Diverse levels of income and changing projections of income growth among countries would result in the divergence of national diet patterns over the next decade. The consumers of high-income counties are anticipated to transition from diets that are based on animal-based proteins towards a diet that is based on alternative sources whereas the consumers of middle-income countries are expected to transition from a diet based on staples to higher-value products due to the availability of additional income. Further, for countries that are constrained with resources are, agricultural trade would be vital to ensure food security and, on the other hand, from the perspective of exporters agricultural trade plays a key enables for securing rural livelihoods.

World Poultry Meat Consumption Projections

In kt rtc

Source: FAO

The growth in feed consumption is expected to reinforce the growth of the global calcium carbonate market.

It is also pertinent to note that calcium carbonate plays a vital role in effectuating the healthy growth and development of livestock and domestic animals. It contributes to an efficient metabolic process, retention, and conversion of nutrients and cell activity regulation. To this end, it should be noted that the ongoing expansion of aquaculture production and livestock herd in n low- and middle-income countries would result in growth in feed consumption. Also, consumers in high-income countries are inclined to substitute their red meat consumption with poultry and fish. Further, in low-income countries, animal husbandry is anticipated to remain mainly reliant on small-scale producers. Operations pertaining to poultry tend to be the most commercialized and are forecasted to expand the fastest. Further, poultry is expected to be the rapidly growing meat which is a forecasted increase in production of 16%. This accounts for approx. Half of the forecasted increase in total meat output. The APCA and Latin American region are expected to account for 60 % of the increment in poultry meat globally.