Antonina Levashenko, Head of the International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, told RIA Novosti about the characteristics of the global market for rare minerals, emphasizing Russia’s unique role in the production of baddeleyite concentrate.
According to the expert, Russia is the only country in the world where this material, which is critical for high-temperature technologies, is produced. Baddeleyite concentrate is obtained as a byproduct during the processing of ores from zirconium deposits, whereas other countries produce exclusively zirconium concentrates.
“This concentrate possesses unique properties and is widely used in industry, primarily in the production of refractory materials, protective structures, ceramics, and in casting processes. At the same time, its production is concentrated at a single facility, which further underscores its exclusivity on the global market,” said Antonina Levashenko.
She also drew attention to the pricing specifics of this product. Due to its narrow specialization and the lack of alternatives, its cost is virtually independent of market conditions and is typically three times higher than the price of premium zirconium concentrate. Currently, on the wholesale market, it exceeds $2,400 per ton.
Thus, baddeleyite concentrate remains a strategically important resource, and Russia is its key and, in fact, sole supplier on the global market.