Flotation Reagents Market Report 2026

The flotation reagents market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.69 billion in 2025 to $6.1 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of global mining activities, increasing mineral beneficiation requirements, growth of metal extraction operations, rising demand for efficient ore separation, advancements in chemical reagent formulations.

The flotation reagents market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.12 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising focus on sustainable mining practices, increasing demand for high-grade mineral recovery, expansion of rare earth and battery metal mining, growing use of digital process control in flotation, increasing investment in specialty reagents. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for eco-friendly flotation chemicals, rising use of customized reagent formulations, growing adoption in mineral processing optimization, expansion of reagent use in wastewater treatment, enhanced process efficiency control.

The growth of the flotation reagents market is anticipated to be fueled by the expansion of mining operations. Mining operations encompass the activities conducted by operators on mine sites aimed at extracting minerals. These activities include excavating and processing minerals, as well as storing and transporting them, along with any reclamation efforts at the site. In the mining sector, flotation reagents play a crucial role in mineral processing by facilitating the separation and concentration of ores through the modification of their surfaces to either hydrophobic or hydrophilic states. For example, in May 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA), a France-based intergovernmental organization, reported that critical minerals experienced significant growth in 2023, with lithium demand increasing by 30%, while the demand for nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements rose by 8% to 15%. Consequently, the expansion of mining operations is driving the flotation reagents market.

Major companies in the flotation reagents market are focusing on developing specialized formulations such as sulfidic frothers to strengthen their market position. Sulfidic frothers are chemical agents used in flotation processes to improve the separation of sulfide minerals from ores by enhancing bubble formation and stability in the flotation medium. For example, in October 2023, BASF SE, a Germany-based chemicals company, introduced two new flotation reagent brands: Luprofroth for frothers and Luproset for flotation modifiers, expanding its portfolio to address the growing demands of the mining industry. These products complement BASF’s existing Lupromin line, enabling a clearer and more consistent presentation of its flotation solutions. The Luprofroth range features sulfidic frothers designed to optimize flotation circuit performance while providing improved environmental, health, and safety profiles, with lower toxicity, reduced ecotoxicity, and minimized flammability risks.

In November 2023, Nalco Water, a US-based water treatment company, acquired Flottec for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aims to broaden Nalco Water's flotation product range and strengthen its commitment to serving the mining and metal production industry throughout the entire process. With the addition of Flottec, Nalco Water gains access to a diverse range of flotation solutions and extensive expertise, enhancing its capability to provide increased value and service to mineral processing customers. Flottec is a U.S.-based technology company specializing in developing flotation technologies and providing chemical reagents and specialty services.

Major companies operating in the flotation reagents market are BASF SE, Solvay S.A., Clariant AG, Dow Inc., Arkema S.A., Nouryon Chemicals Holding B.V., Kemira Oyj, Huntsman Corporation, Cytec Industries Inc., SNF Group S.A., Orica Limited, Evonik Industries AG, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Akzo Nobel N.V., ArrMaz Products L.P., Nalco Water, Kao Corporation, Coogee Chemicals Pty Ltd, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, LANXESS AG.

North America was the largest region in the flotation reagents market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the flotation reagents market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the flotation reagents market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The flotation reagents market consists of sales of copper sulfate, sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX), and dithiophoshate promoter. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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