Bentonite Production by Country 2025

Bentonite production globally reflects the usefulness of this rock in numerous industrial applications. This rock develops either from the circulation of hydrothermal vents through beds of volcanic ash or from the weathering of volcanic ash. Both processes allow the bentonite to absorb minerals from the ash, which contributes to its properties as a binder or absorbant.

Bentonite Applications

The most valuable forms of bentonite for industrial applications are calcium bentonite and sodium bentonite. The former readily absorbs fats, oils, and liquids, making it a valuable addition to cleaning agents. Through ion exchange, this form of bentonite can be processed into sodium bentonite.

Sodium bentonite swells several times its original volume when it absorbs liquids. It has applications in drilling mud, fertilizers, binders, and sealants. Its sealant properties make it especially useful for protecting groundwater and the environment from chemicals leaching out of landfills.

Other uses of bentonite stem from its swelling or absorption capacity. It appears in agents used to clarify or decolorize food products such as mead, vinegar, vegetable oils, beer, or wine.

Because bentonite does not react chemically to many substances, it works well as a carrier for flame retardants, fertilizers, or pesticides. Additionally, it can add bulk to soaps, adhesives, rubber, paint, and cosmetics.

In medicine, bentonite can protect products from moisture damage due to its adsorption properties, outperforming silica gel as a desiccant. It also appears as an ingredient in barrier products to prevent poison ivy allergic reactions.

Global Bentonite Production

In 2020, the most recent data for 2023, worldwide bentonite production was 20.85 million metric tons. This number reflects a decrease from the previous year’s 21.8 million metric tons, the highest production volume between 2016 and 2020.

Countries that Produce the Most Bentonite

In 2020, China produced an estimated 5.6 million metric tons, placing it as the top producer of bentonite in the world.

The United States, which came in second for production volume, had a production of 4.24 million metric tons of bentonite.

India, Turkey, and Greece were the other three producers that ranked within the top five for bentonite production.

Nations with the Lowest Bentonite Production

The most recent production data on bentonite comes from 2020. That year, Slovenia produced the lowest amount in the world, 80 metric tons. Chile produced 170 metric tons in second-to-last place for worldwide production.

The other countries in the bottom five of bentonite production were Cuba, New Zealand, and Myanmar.