According to IMARC Group’s latest report, titled “Asia Pacific Silica Sand Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026,” the Asia Pacific silica sand market reached a value of US$ 5.21 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach US$ 8.47 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.43% during 2021-2026.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis takes over the world, we are continuously tracking the changes in the markets, as well as the purchase behaviors of the consumers globally–our estimates about the latest market trends and forecast values after considering the impact of this pandemic. These observations will be integrated into the report.

• Jason Simon, Business Owner, Simon Sand and Gravel

The company is seeking permission to extend its excavation area, warning about a shortage of sand for the building industry unless the government changes its mind.

In a statement, they added that current permitted sand reserves would be “insufficient to maintain supply at current demand levels”.

I currently can’t dig anymore sand, although there are reserves available, without putting in a further application. Knowing that the government wants to shut the site doesn’t allow me the time to put in a sufficient application as the application process is going to take a good 15, 16 months. Jason Simon, Business Owner, Simon Sand and Gravel Ltd

Environment Minister Deputy John Young said the company had known for 30 years “there would be an end” to quarrying “because of environmental issues”.

The Asia Pacific silica sand market is primarily driven by the increasing utilization of silica sand in glass and foundry industries. There has been a rising demand for high purity silica sand for the production of photovoltaic (PV) panels and silicon-metal composite materials. Supported by the various initiatives undertaken by several governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to promote the use of solar energy, there has been a rising demand for the installation of glass-based PV modules in the region. This, coupled with the rapid development of solar infrastructures in the Asia Pacific region, is expected to provide an impetus to the market growth. Moreover, silica sand is widely utilized in the production of fiberglass, which is further employed as an essential component in the automotive industry. With the rising population growth in the region and the inflating per capita income levels of the masses, there has been a considerable rise in the sales of cost-efficient cars, which, in turn, is creating a positive outlook for the market. This is also supported by the escalating production of automobiles due to the presence of numerous key automotive players in the region.