Celestite production in Mexico fell 32.7% year-on-year in 2024 to 18,862 tons, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
At the same time, Mexican exports of this product to the United States plummeted 95%, to 46 tons.
Celestite production in Mexico
Celestite is mainly used to produce strontium carbonate and metal. It is also used in pyrotechnics to generate red flames, in ceramic magnets, in special glasses, and in electronic applications. It is also used as an input in the chemical industry.
The following table shows celestite production in Mexico, in tons:
- 2018: 35,489.
- 2019: 39,215.
- 2020: 38,304.
- 2021: 21,351.
- 2022: 33,787.
- 2023: 28,008.
- 2024: 18,862.
Main global producers
In Mexico, celestite production was concentrated in San Pedro and, to a lesser extent, in Cuatro Ciénegas, both in Coahuila. Minas de Celestita operates there. In 2024, it produced 18,860 tons. This was a 32.7% drop compared to 2023. In addition, the average price plummeted 69.4% and closed at $30.94 per ton.
The contraction was in response to the slowdown in exports to Asia. Customers in China and India pushed for deep discounts on the CIF price. Sales were no longer viable. Meanwhile, global production was concentrated in Iran, Spain, China, and Mexico.
According to the USGS, US imports also declined. This was influenced by the reduced use of celestite in drilling fluids and the consumption of accumulated inventories. The average number of active rigs fell by 15% in the first nine months of 2024. In addition, it remained 39% below 2019 levels.
In recent years, almost all U.S. imports came from Mexico. They were used as additives in drilling muds for oil and natural gas. Replacement by barite reinforced the decline, as this mineral is preferred in the industry.
For these applications, celestite is only ground. It does not require chemical processing. Small, high-value imports were also recorded, probably mineral specimens. Celestite remains the basis for producing strontium carbonate and other strontium compounds.