The global speciality silicas industry will be worth close to $2000m this year and must be one of the best examples of a value adding production chain. For example, a raw material selling for around $20/tonne (silica sand or quartzite) is transformed in submerged electric arc furnaces to silicon metal - around $250/tonne. This in turn is an intermediate in the production of silicon tetrachloride - upwards of $650/tonne - from which is derived fumed silicas - up into the $thousands/tonne. The industry is also extremely diverse, both in terms of production and markets. Although some applications have not developed as rapidly as was hoped, growth forecasts for many sectors are positive and lingering overcapacity is disappearing as the Asian economies strengthen.
