Metallurgical Grade Silicon

Global Metallurgical Grade Silicon Market to Reach US$8.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Metallurgical Grade Silicon estimated at US$6.9 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$8.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Powder Form, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 2.1% CAGR and reach US$4.8 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Granules Form segment is estimated at 3.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.9 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.1% CAGR

The Metallurgical Grade Silicon market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.9 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.1% and 2.0% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.5% CAGR.

Global Metallurgical Grade Silicon Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Metallurgical Grade Silicon and Why Is It Indispensable to Modern Industry?

Metallurgical Grade Silicon (MG-Si), typically composed of around 98–99% pure silicon, is a foundational material used primarily as a feedstock in the production of refined silicon derivatives, including polysilicon, silicones, and aluminum-silicon alloys. Produced through carbothermic reduction of quartz in electric arc furnaces, MG-Si serves as the first critical processing stage in the broader silicon value chain. Though not pure enough for semiconductor use, its role is essential in both electronic materials and structural alloying applications.

In the aluminum industry, MG-Si is used as an alloying agent to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and castability of automotive and aerospace components. It is also integral in the production of silicone polymers used across construction, medical, personal care, and electronics industries. Furthermore, MG-Si is the upstream precursor for solar-grade polysilicon, thus playing a key part in the global photovoltaic (PV) supply chain. Its importance spans both mature industrial sectors and fast-growing clean energy technologies.

How Are Production Methods and Supply Chains Evolving to Meet Growing Purity and Sustainability Demands?

While traditional electric arc furnace methods remain dominant, manufacturers are increasingly optimizing energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and improving yield through process innovation. Closed-loop systems, improved reductant mixes (like biochar alternatives to petroleum coke), and the integration of renewable energy into smelting operations are addressing environmental concerns in MG-Si production. These changes are especially important as industries seek to decarbonize their supply chains and align with ESG mandates.

In parallel, efforts to narrow the purity gap between MG-Si and solar-grade or electronic-grade silicon are advancing. Upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) is gaining attention as a cost-effective alternative for low- to mid-efficiency solar panels, especially in price-sensitive markets. While chemical purification routes (like Siemens process for polysilicon) remain dominant, UMG-Si presents opportunities to reduce production costs and environmental impact by bypassing energy-intensive refinement stages.

Which Industries and Regional Markets Are Driving Demand for MG-Si?

The solar photovoltaic industry is the largest and fastest-growing consumer of MG-Si, using it as the initial feedstock for producing polysilicon. As global solar capacity expands—especially in China, the U.S., India, and Europe—the upstream demand for metallurgical grade silicon is surging. The aluminum industry remains a stable and substantial market, particularly in automotive lightweighting, aerospace castings, and industrial fabrication.

Silicone production, covering sealants, adhesives, coatings, and lubricants, continues to see strong demand from the construction, electronics, healthcare, and personal care industries. China dominates MG-Si production and consumption, while Western markets are increasingly investing in supply diversification and domestic smelting capabilities. Government initiatives aimed at securing critical material supply chains—especially for solar energy independence—are boosting domestic MG-Si investments in the U.S. and EU.

The Growth in the Metallurgical Grade Silicon Market Is Driven by Several Factors…

The growth in the metallurgical grade silicon market is driven by several factors including accelerating solar PV deployment, expanding demand for lightweight aluminum alloys in automotive manufacturing, and rising consumption of silicones in diversified end-use sectors. Technological improvements in energy efficiency, emission control, and raw material substitution are enhancing the sustainability and cost competitiveness of MG-Si production. Emerging demand for upgraded metallurgical silicon in solar manufacturing and regional efforts to localize supply chains are also fueling investment. As clean energy and advanced material sectors continue to expand, MG-Si will remain a critical enabler of both industrial innovation and low-carbon transformation.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Metallurgical Grade Silicon market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Form (Powder Form, Granules Form, Blocks / Sheets Form); Grade (441 Grade, 553 Grade, 1101 Grade, 2202 Grade, 3303 Grade, Other Grades); Application (Aluminum Casting Application, Steel Production Application, Foundry Application, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -

• Accrue Group Holdings
• Advanced Metallurgical Group
• Amalgamet Canada LP
• American Elements
• Asia Silicon
• Baidao Silicon Powder Co., Ltd
• Becancour Silicon
• Canadian Metals
• Dow Corning Corporation
• Elkem ASA
• Ferroglobe PLC
• HPQ Silicon Resources Inc.
• Jiuzhou Silicon Industry Co., Ltd
• Mississippi Silicon
• Mitsubishi Materials
• PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
• REC Silicon
• Silicor Materials
• Wacker Chemie AG
• Weden Metal Co., Limited

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