Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK - Market Research Report (2013-2028)
London, United Kingdom
Last Updated: December 2023
SIC B08.910Revenue
£121.6m
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
£X.Xm
Employees
803
Businesses
5
Wages
£XX.Xm
Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry analysis
The Chemical and Fertiliser Mineral Mining industry's revenue has expanded at a compound annual rate of 1.1% over the past five years. The industry's production has shifted considerably as the largest mineral extractor, Cleveland Potash, changed its mine's production from muriate of potash to sulphate of potash (polyhalite) in 2018, causing revenue to fall as the company had to ramp up production. The two other major companies in the industry, Schlumberger Oilfield and Fluorsid British Fluorspar have also shifted production, with Schlumberger opening a new mine and Fluorsid moving mining operations from the western to the eastern portion of its Mildam mine.Disruptions to the global supply of natural gas following Russia's invasion of Ukraine meant that the price of ammonia-based fertiliser (made using natural gas) soared. As fertiliser prices rose, so too did the price of polyhalite, supporting revenue in 2022-23. As fertiliser prices are contracting in 2023-24, the chemical and fertiliser mineral mining industry's revenue is estimated to fall by 14.9% in 2023-24 to £121.6 million, with the average industry profit margin set to be 6.4%.The Chemical and Fertiliser Mineral Mining industry's revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 69.6% to £1.7 billion over the five years through 2028-29, when the industry's profit margin is estimated to be 6.8%. The main driver behind the significant jump in revenue is the anticipated opening of Anglo American's new polyhalite mine in Woodsmith. Anglo American's Woodsmith mine is likely to boast a peak output of 20 million tonnes of polyhalite, significantly boosting the industry's revenue and exports to foreign farmers and fertiliser manufacturers. While oil and gas prices remain historically high, the demand for baryte used in drilling fluid is likely to remain elevated; however, a long-term move away from oil and towards renewable energy puts the long-term future in question.
Trends and Insights
- A shift in production has disrupted revenue. The largest producer in the industry, Cleveland Potash, shifted its production from muriate of potash to polyhalite, causing a temporary drop in revenue. Similar production shifts at British Fluorspar and Schlumberger Oilfield have further disrupted revenue.
- Polyhalite boom shifts market dynamics. Amidst skyrocketing fertiliser prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, sulphate of potash, commonly referred to as polyhalite, has seen a significant rise in the industry, especially with the planned increase in production by Anglo American.
- Yorkshire's rich polyhalite deposits fuel industry growth. The massive reserves in mines like Boulby and under-construction Woodsmith mean mining companies are keen to establish mines in the region, supported by strategic export routes on the coastline.
- Product differentiation and capital intensity influence mining industry's success. Businesses focus on extracting unique and quality minerals, due to the scarcity of viable deposits, while investments in heavy machinery signify a significant portion of operational costs.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 1.1 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £121.6m in 2023.
Trends and Insights
Volatility in fertiliser prices has boosted revenue
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused natural gas prices to soar; since natural gas is used to make ammonia-based fertilisers, fertiliser prices also increased.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
A new polyhalite mine is going to steal the show
- While the majority of the industry's revenue is accounted for by three companies, Anglo American's new polyhalite mine in Woodsmith is forecast to dominate the industry once it reaches peak capacity.
Biggest companies in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue (£m)
2024 |
|---|---|---|
Schlumberger Oilfield UK plc | 21.3 | |
Fluorsid British Fluorspar Ltd | 5.6 | |
Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd | 0.1 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 3 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Muriate of potash, Sulphate of potash and Baryte. Muriate of potash is the largest segment of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK.
Trends and Insights
Sulphate of potash dominates the industry thanks to the large deposits in the UK
- Sulphate of potash is a specific form of potash, often referred to as polyhalite. Polyhalite is a multi-nutrient fertiliser containing sulphur, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Gravel, Sand & Clay Extraction in the UK
Complementors
- Fertiliser & Nitrogen Compound Manufacturing in the UK
International industries
- Mineral & Phosphate Mining in the US
- Mineral & Phosphate Mining in Canada
- Lithium and Other Non-Metallic Mineral Mining in Australia
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry covers the mining of natural phosphates, potassium salts, sulphur, barium sulphate and carbonate, borates, magnesium sulphates, earth colours, fluorspar and other minerals valued chiefly as a source of chemicals. Guano mining also falls into this category. The extraction of salt, roasting of iron pyrites and manufacture of synthetic fertilisers and nitrogen compounds are not included in the industry.
What's included in this industry?
Muriate of potashSulphate of potashBaryteFluorsparCompanies
Schlumberger Oilfield UK plcFluorsid British Fluorspar LtdAnglo American Woodsmith LtdPurchase this report to view all 3 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
POTASHPOLYHALITEFLUORSPARBARYTECONTINUOUS MINERIndustry Code
SIC 08.91 - Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
A shift in production has disrupted revenue. The largest producer in the industry, Cleveland Potash, shifted its production from muriate of potash to polyhalite, causing a te...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Polyhalite boom shifts market dynamics. Amidst skyrocketing fertiliser prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, sulphate of potash, commonly referred to as polyhalite, ...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2023
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2023
- Major market segmentation in 2023
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Yorkshire's rich polyhalite deposits fuel industry growth. The massive reserves in mines like Boulby and under-construction Woodsmith mean mining companies are keen to establ...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2023
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Product differentiation and capital intensity influence mining industry's success. Businesses focus on extracting unique and quality minerals, due to the scarcity of viable d...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Cleveland Potash remains unrivalled in polyhalite production. As the only polyhalite mine in the world to date, it dominates the market by supplying the material largely for ...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
- Overview of Schlumberger Oilfield UK plc's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Fluorsid British Fluorspar Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Schlumberger Oilfield UK plc, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Fluorsid British Fluorspar Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Mines Regulations 2014 are pivotal to industry safety. The regulation ensures comprehensive health protocol, addressing major concerns like hazard control, rescue duties, and...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
High fertiliser prices boost mining industry profit. As the cost for miners rose less than the revenue from polyhalite sales, profitability saw a significant increase despite...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2021)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2021)
- Assets (2017-2021)
- Liabilities (2017-2021)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
- Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Average Wage (2013-2028)
- Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
- Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2013-2028)
- IVA (2013-2028)
- Establishments (2013-2028)
- Enterprises (2013-2028)
- Employment (2013-2028)
- Exports (2013-2028)
- Imports (2013-2028)
- Wages (2013-2028)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the UK include:
- Office for National Statistics
- Office for Budget Responsibility
- Bank of England
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?
The market size of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £121.6m in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in 2023?
There are 5 businesses in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has declined at a CAGR of 0.0 % between 2018 and 2023.
Has the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been growing at a CAGR of 1.1 % between 2018 and 2023.
What is the forecast growth of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK market in United Kingdom?
The biggest companies operating in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining market in United Kingdom are Schlumberger Oilfield UK plc, Fluorsid British Fluorspar Ltd and Anglo American Woodsmith Ltd
What does the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK in United Kingdom include?
Muriate of potash and Sulphate of potash are part of the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK in United Kingdom?
The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is Schlumberger Oilfield UK plc.
How competitive is the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK industry in United Kingdom.
