The Nevada Barite Industry Today

The Nevada Barite industry has experienced a 277% growth over the last five years with a total production of 2,542,000 tons. Total production prior to 1970 approximates 2,700,000 tons dating back to 1907 Annual production, as can be seen in Table 1, has increased from 192,000 tons in 1971 to 723,000 tons in 1975. During this same period U.S production has increased from 825,000 tons to 1,056,000 tons. Nevada is now the leading producer with 69% of the market. The increase in the Nevada barite production is, of course, directly related to the increased demand for weight material coupled with the lack of other sources and the relative economic advantage of the Nevada barite, A significant tonnage of Nevada barite is utilized in the non-oil well market, principally at FMC's barite chemical plant at Modesto, California; however the growth has been in the oil well market.