According to the Association of Mining Companies of Greece, industrial minerals recorded a mixed picture.
Marble indutrsy was hit by the pandemic with a drop in exports due to low demand that exceeded 20% compared to 2019.
On the other hand, Aggregates - Building Materials showed an increase in sales of 5% compared to 2019.
"The transition to a lignite-free electricity production in the country and the reduction of iron-nickel production were reflected in the fall in the production volume of tradable products of the members of the Association by 18% compared to 2019, as well as in the reduction of sales by 25% and 25 % of exports in 2020. It is important to mention that lignite production did not exceed 15 million tons compared to 26 million in 2019 ", says SME.
In further detail:
- Bauxite and Aluminum recorded an increase in demand after the first half of 2020.
- Mixed Sulfur recorded a significant increase in demand and prices of concentrates, especially after the first half of 2020, and particularly high demand for gold pyrite.
- International nickel production increased by 2.5%, of which 70% for stainless steel production, 6% for battery production. However, consumption decreased by 4.2% and prices increased.
- Lefkolithos reversed the negative course of the first half of 2020, noting a significant increase in demand in the second half.
- Bentonitis recorded a production reduction of 10% compared to 2019 due to COVID-19.
- Calcium Carbonate decreased demand by 5% in the paper industry, but increased demand in agriculture and livestock.
- In 2020 there was a significant increase in sales of Attapoulgitis, especially in soil conditioners, agrochemicals and cat litters.
- Gypsum decreased domestically due to reduced cement production, while international competition intensified with products at lower prices due to exchange rates.
- Kissiris increased due to demand for agricultural applications and lightweight building materials.
Mr. A. Kefalas, President of the Association of Mining Companies of Greece, noted characteristically: "We all faced immediately, timely and successfully the negative wave that the pandemic brought to the global and national economy and consequently to the markets of the sector. We have reduced the impact of transport problems due to a lack of containers, the scarcity of port workers and land transport guides, the shortage of materials and raw materials and, by the end of the year, the gradual rise in maritime fares. We look to the future with optimism, already going through an upward and encouraging 2021 for the products of the mining industry. We remain firm in our values, implementing sustainable development strategies and aiming at the prosperity of the industry, the Greek economy and our society ".
