Bentonites Market Size & Share [2033]

Bentonites Market Overview

The Bentonites Market size was valued at USD 1420.87 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1946.27 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The global bentonites market plays a critical role across various industries due to the mineral’s high absorbency, swelling capacity, and colloidal properties. In 2023, global bentonite production exceeded 21 million metric tons, with sodium bentonite accounting for nearly 68% of total output. Over 40 countries actively mine bentonite, with more than 1,800 active quarries worldwide. The top five producing nations accounted for more than 65% of total production. Bentonite is used in over 70 different industrial applications, from drilling and foundry to pet care and construction. The largest consumption segment in 2023 was drilling fluids, accounting for approximately 6.8 million metric tons of usage, followed by iron ore pelletizing with 5.4 million metric tons. Environmental engineering applications such as landfill sealing and geosynthetic clay liners accounted for another 1.2 million metric tons. Pet litter applications used about 3 million metric tons. Bentonite’s unique properties also support usage in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics. The demand for purified and processed bentonite increased by 13% globally in 2023 due to rising specifications in high-end applications.

Key Findings

Driver: Expanding drilling operations in oil and gas exploration.

Country/Region: United States with over 5.5 million metric tons of bentonite produced in 2023.

Segment: Sodium bentonite with the highest global utilization rate of 68%.

Bentonites Market Trends

The bentonites market continues to evolve with shifting industrial demands, regulatory pressures, and innovation in usage. In 2023, over 9,500 research papers and patents related to bentonite were published, highlighting the rapid development in performance-enhanced bentonite products. Drilling mud applications remained the leading use-case, driven by increased shale gas extraction, particularly in the U.S. and China. The number of horizontal drilling projects using bentonite-based mud rose by 17% compared to 2022. Iron ore pelletizing witnessed a 12% increase in bentonite consumption, especially in India and Brazil, due to growing infrastructure investments. Green sand molding in foundries remains another critical sector, with more than 3.6 million metric tons consumed in 2023 for ferrous metal casting. The demand for bentonite in pet litter products saw a 14% rise globally, driven by increasing urban pet ownership. In Europe alone, over 900,000 metric tons of bentonite were used for this purpose.

Environmental regulations are fostering growth in bentonite applications in civil engineering. In 2023, more than 2,800 infrastructure projects across Europe and Asia used bentonite-based liners for soil sealing and contaminant control. The agricultural sector also reported a 19% increase in bentonite use for soil conditioning and pesticide carrier formulations. Technological developments include the modification of bentonite using polymers and nanoparticles to improve thermal stability and chemical resistance. Approximately 310 companies launched new modified bentonite products in 2023, mainly targeting the construction and mining industries. Furthermore, with increasing demand for green technologies, there is a growing preference for natural clays, including bentonite, in wastewater treatment and bioremediation processes. Over 1.6 million metric tons were used globally in 2023 for environmental purification tasks.

Bentonites Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for drilling mud in oil and gas exploration.

Increased upstream activities have bolstered demand for bentonite in the formulation of drilling muds. In 2023, over 6.8 million metric tons of bentonite were consumed globally for oil and gas drilling. The shale gas boom in the U.S. alone accounted for 1.9 million metric tons. This growth is supported by over 1,200 new rigs commissioned globally last year. Bentonite’s excellent thixotropic properties enable effective cooling, cuttings transport, and wellbore stabilization during drilling. Moreover, the expansion of offshore and deepwater drilling sites has led to a 16% increase in high-grade bentonite imports by leading energy firms.

RESTRAINT

Stringent mining regulations and environmental concerns.

Despite high demand, environmental regulations concerning open-pit mining and land restoration limit bentonite extraction in several regions. In 2023, more than 180 planned mining expansions were delayed due to environmental impact assessments. The European Union revised its mining waste directive, affecting operations in Germany, France, and Italy. Regulatory compliance has raised operating costs by approximately 11% for mid-sized mining firms. In addition, environmental activists continue to lobby for restrictions on clay mining in ecologically sensitive zones. These constraints affect supply consistency, especially for processed high-purity grades.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising demand in wastewater treatment and soil remediation.

Global emphasis on sustainable water management and land restoration creates new opportunities for bentonite usage. In 2023, over 1.6 million metric tons of bentonite were used in wastewater treatment plants. Countries like China, India, and Brazil launched 1,500+ new projects using bentonite in filtration and sludge stabilization. In soil remediation, bentonite acts as a barrier to prevent heavy metal leaching, with applications increasing by 22% in mining regions across Africa and South America. Governments are subsidizing eco-friendly materials for environmental management, prompting new partnerships between bentonite suppliers and civil engineering firms.

CHALLENGE

High transportation and logistics costs.

Bentonite, due to its bulk density and high moisture content, incurs significant transportation costs. In 2023, the average cost of transporting bentonite increased by 13%, driven by rising fuel prices and global freight shortages. Remote mining locations add complexity, especially for exporters in the Asia-Pacific region shipping to North America or Europe. Storage also presents challenges due to bentonite’s moisture sensitivity. These logistics constraints lead to longer lead times and reduced margins, especially for small-to-medium enterprises. Furthermore, intermodal shipping inconsistencies have disrupted supply chains in more than 70 countries over the past 12 months.

Bentonites Market Segmentation

The bentonites market is segmented by type and application. In 2023, sodium bentonite dominated the type segment, while drilling mud held the largest share among applications. Different grades and forms of bentonite are selected based on their specific physical and chemical characteristics suited for end-use.

By Type

Sodium Bentonite: Representing approximately 68% of total bentonite production in 2023, sodium bentonite is widely preferred for its high swelling capacity and superior water absorption. The U.S., China, and India produced a combined 9.6 million metric tons of sodium bentonite. It is extensively used in drilling mud, iron ore pelletizing, civil engineering, and pet litter applications. Over 4 million metric tons were consumed in oilfield services globally, and 2.1 million metric tons in foundry and metallurgical processes. This type's thixotropic behavior and sealing properties make it critical for environmental barriers and landfill liners.
Calcium Bentonite: Accounting for 32% of global production, calcium bentonite is known for its lower swelling index but higher adsorption capacity. Approximately 6.8 million metric tons were produced globally in 2023, with significant outputs in Turkey, Greece, and Brazil. This type is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and paper manufacturing. Over 900,000 metric tons were utilized in Europe alone for cosmetic and hygiene-related applications. Additionally, calcium bentonite is preferred for detoxifying and clarifying agents in food and beverage production due to its low iron content.

By Application

Molding Sands: Over 3.6 million metric tons of bentonite were used in 2023 in green sand foundries, primarily for ferrous casting. This application remains critical in the automotive and heavy machinery sectors across Germany, India, and the U.S.
Iron Ore Pelletizing: Global demand reached 5.4 million metric tons in 2023, with India and Brazil contributing to 60% of usage due to their large-scale iron and steel operations. Bentonite helps improve pellet integrity and strength during sintering.
Pet Litter: The segment saw consumption of nearly 3 million metric tons, with increasing urban pet ownership in North America and Europe. Clumping and odor-control grades have grown by 14% year-over-year.
Drilling Mud: With over 6.8 million metric tons consumed, this is the largest application by volume. Demand surged in the U.S., Russia, and Middle East for onshore and offshore oil drilling operations.
Civil Engineering: About 1.2 million metric tons were used in 2023 for diaphragm walls, cut-off walls, and slurry trench barriers. Major projects in Southeast Asia and Africa contributed to growth.
Agriculture: Nearly 850,000 metric tons were used for soil conditioning, fertilizer binding, and pesticide carriers. China and India led adoption.
Others: This includes applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, paper, and environmental remediation, contributing to over 1.5 million metric tons of bentonite demand globally.

Bentonites Market Regional Outlook

Global demand for bentonite is heavily influenced by industrial activity, regional regulations, and natural resource availability. Each major region demonstrates distinct consumption patterns and application priorities.

North America

remains the largest producer and consumer of bentonite globally. In 2023, the region accounted for over 6.5 million metric tons of bentonite production, with the United States alone contributing 5.5 million metric tons. The majority of bentonite mined in the region is sodium bentonite, used primarily in oil drilling, iron ore pelletizing, and cat litter. Canada and Mexico also saw growth in civil engineering applications, where more than 1,100 infrastructure projects integrated bentonite-based liners and sealants. Demand for pet litter rose by 12% in the U.S., contributing to nearly 1.3 million metric tons of consumption in this segment.

Europe

represents a mature market, contributing about 4.2 million metric tons of bentonite consumption in 2023. Germany, Turkey, and Italy were the leading consumers, with a combined 62% share of the region's usage. Industrial applications such as foundry molding sands accounted for 1.6 million metric tons, while environmental uses including landfill liners and contaminant barriers grew by 14%. The agricultural sector in Eastern Europe utilized approximately 260,000 metric tons of bentonite as a soil enhancer and pesticide carrier.

Asia-Pacific

continues to exhibit rapid growth, driven by construction, mining, and agriculture. China and India led regional consumption, with China accounting for over 4.4 million metric tons in 2023. The use of bentonite in iron ore pelletizing in India surged to 2.1 million metric tons due to rising steel production. In Southeast Asia, civil engineering and tunneling projects boosted demand by 19%, with nearly 800,000 metric tons consumed in projects such as dam linings and metro rail construction. Japan and South Korea used high-purity bentonite in electronics and ceramics manufacturing, accounting for an additional 450,000 metric tons.

Middle East & Africa

region displayed steady expansion, supported by oil and gas exploration and mining. Bentonite consumption in 2023 exceeded 1.8 million metric tons, with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE leading demand. Oilfield drilling applications accounted for 1.2 million metric tons, while North Africa's agricultural sector used nearly 300,000 metric tons for moisture retention and crop yield improvement. The region also initiated over 250 civil engineering projects that specified bentonite as a key material for environmental safety barriers and water conservation systems.

List Of Bentonites Companies

Minerals Technologies (Amcol)
Bentonite Performance Minerals LLC (BPM)
Clariant
Imerys (S&B)
Black Hills Bentonite
Wyo-Ben Inc
Bentonite Company LLC (Russia)
Tolsa Group
Laviosa Minerals SpA
G & W Mineral Resources
HOJUN
Ningcheng Tianyu
Huawei Bentonite
China Jianping Cuican Peng Run Tu
LKAB Minerals
Ashapura
Star Bentonite Group
Kunimine Industries
Fenghong New Material
Chang'an Renheng
Liufangzi Bentonite
Bentonit União
Castiglioni Pes y Cia
Canbensan
Ayd?n Bentonit
KarBen
Elementis

Minerals Technologies (Amcol): Held approximately 17% of the global bentonite market share in 2023, producing over 3.5 million metric tons annually with operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Clariant: Accounted for 12% of global bentonite output, with over 2.4 million metric tons produced and widespread application in oil drilling, foundry, and environmental sectors.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2023, the bentonite market witnessed significant investment momentum across processing technologies, mining expansion, and end-use application development. Over 240 investment initiatives were tracked globally, with North America accounting for nearly 34% of all new capital inflows. Major U.S.-based mining firms allocated over $130 million toward upgrading refining and granulation facilities to meet increasing demand in pet litter and environmental remediation. Asia-Pacific experienced a 22% rise in local investments, particularly in India and China, where over 40 mining operations expanded production capacity by an average of 18%. Strategic collaborations between bentonite producers and construction firms led to a 27% increase in large-scale usage across infrastructure projects. In 2023, more than 80 public-private partnerships were signed in emerging markets to explore bentonite’s role in soil stabilization and geo-environmental engineering. In Europe, over 120 million euros were allocated to R&D programs focused on modified bentonite for thermal and chemical resistance enhancement. These programs targeted specialized markets like nuclear waste containment and smart packaging. Additionally, environmental compliance regulations prompted 19 companies to invest in zero-waste processing systems.

Globally, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors showed a 14% increase in bentonite-based product development, prompting new investments in ultra-purification technologies. Firms specializing in micro-fine bentonite powders for detox products and skin treatments reported double-digit growth and higher investor interest. Over 70 new patents were filed related to nano-bentonite applications in drug delivery and filtration membranes. Export-oriented ventures also grew, with over 1.2 million metric tons of bentonite traded under new bilateral agreements signed between Asia and Latin America. These agreements, supported by government trade facilitation programs, led to the development of new port logistics centers optimized for bulk mineral handling. With increasing global focus on sustainability and material traceability, more than 90 firms invested in digital platforms to track the lifecycle and usage of bentonite in supply chains.

New Product Development

Innovation in the bentonite market surged in 2023, with more than 180 new product variants introduced globally. These included bio-compatible bentonite blends for cosmetics, polymer-modified bentonites for geotechnical engineering, and thermally stable grades for high-temperature applications in foundries and refractory materials. In the United States alone, 36 new bentonite composites were launched for use in renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbine bases and battery containment systems. Nanotechnology integration led to the commercialization of nano-bentonite with particle sizes below 100 nm, used in water filtration, polymer enhancement, and medical absorbents. Over 20 companies globally reported commercial-scale production of nano-bentonite products, with annual output exceeding 9,000 metric tons. These materials showed a 43% improvement in adsorption capacity compared to conventional bentonite. The agricultural sector saw a 25% increase in new bentonite-based granules for slow-release fertilizer formulations and soil detoxification. In India, four fertilizer manufacturers launched products blending bentonite with trace minerals for enhanced micronutrient delivery. Meanwhile, in the pet care market, 22 new bentonite-based litter brands entered the market, focusing on odor absorption, clump strength, and biodegradability. Bentonite coatings were another area of development, with over 50 new formulations released for waterproofing, chemical resistance, and corrosion protection. These coatings were adopted in pipeline linings, underground tanks, and coastal building foundations, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. Additionally, more than 15 food and pharmaceutical-grade bentonites were developed for use in anti-caking agents, clarifying agents, and drug carriers.

Five Recent Developments

Clariant introduced a high-purity sodium bentonite for pharmaceutical applications, achieving a 99.6% purity level and expanding its European production facility by 20%.
Ashapura launched a polymer-bonded bentonite granule with enhanced swelling capacity, increasing oil drilling fluid efficiency by 35%.
Kunimine Industries developed a nano-clay bentonite for filtration systems, with a 40% higher heavy metal adsorption rate than existing products.
Imerys (S&B) unveiled a new grade of bentonite for iron ore pelletizing with improved compressive strength, reducing pellet breakage by 22%.
Tolsa Group expanded its Spanish facility to produce bio-enhanced pet litter from bentonite, raising output capacity by 18,000 metric tons annually.

Report Coverage of Bentonites Market

This comprehensive report on the bentonites market spans over 60 countries, delivering data-rich insights across upstream mining activities, downstream applications, regional trends, and company-level strategies. It includes quantitative analysis of over 100 metrics such as production volume, application-specific consumption, logistics costs, and end-user demand forecasts through 2024. The scope encompasses both sodium and calcium bentonite markets, covering their respective performance in sectors such as drilling, foundry, pet care, agriculture, and civil engineering. A detailed breakdown by application type includes statistical modeling of consumption patterns in over 30 industries. Additionally, the report examines bentonite’s role in green technology, waste containment, and pharmaceutical innovation. The document includes profiles of 30+ major global producers and tracks 250+ regional players by output, specialization, and geographic reach. It features 300+ data visualizations including trend charts, heat maps, and process flow diagrams. The report also contains a deep-dive section on export-import patterns, pricing benchmarks, and trade volumes, with analysis on over 90 trade corridors. With data from over 450 site visits, stakeholder interviews, and real-time monitoring systems, the report offers unmatched depth in market intelligence. It also incorporates 150 regulatory and environmental updates impacting bentonite mining and processing across five continents. This coverage ensures a holistic view of the evolving bentonite landscape for investors, manufacturers, distributors, and policymakers.