Year 2011 could represent the calm before a supply storm in the global vermiculite market.
The ultra-light aggregate has seen one of the most turbulent years in recent memory. Fears of Palabora’s diminishing deposit have been expressed, China’s Xinlong Vermiculite Co. has resumed production, and budding producers Gulf Industrials and Brasil Minérios have set out plans to bring significant new supply on stream in the coming years.
Palabora
Leading global vermiculite producer Palabora Mining Co. (PMC) told IM in April that it is struggling to meet demand for vermiculite as its resource diminishes.
The company’s global industry support manager, Mike Darling, explained at...