Proppants Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Frac Sand, Resin Coated Frac Sand, Resin Coated Ceramic Proppants and High Strength Ceramic Proppants), By Application (Shale gas, Coalbed Methane, Tight Gas, Tight Oil, Deep Gas, Others), By Region and By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Proppants Market was valued at USD 8.82 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13.09 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.97%.

The global proppants market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas extraction. Proppants, solid materials used to keep fractures open in hydraulic fracturing, include frac sand, resin-coated frac sand, resin-coated ceramic proppants, and high-strength ceramic proppants. These materials enhance the conductivity of fractures, allowing hydrocarbons to flow more freely from reservoirs. The market is propelled by the rise in unconventional oil and gas production, particularly shale gas and tight oil, which require advanced proppants for optimal recovery. Government policies promoting energy independence, such as investments in domestic production in the United States and Middle East countries, are key enablers, encouraging the use of proppants in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and fracking operations.

The shift toward sustainable and high-performance proppants is a significant driver, with manufacturers developing lightweight, eco-friendly variants to meet stringent environmental regulations, such as those under the European Union’s REACH framework. The growing focus on natural gas as a cleaner energy source has amplified demand, particularly in applications like coalbed methane and shale gas extraction. Innovations in proppant technologies, including coated ceramics for improved durability, enhance market appeal by addressing challenges in deep and high-pressure wells. The market also benefits from the expansion of mining activities in emerging economies, where rapid industrialization and energy needs drive exploration.

North America dominates due to its extensive shale reserves, while Asia-Pacific contributes significantly with increasing investments in unconventional resources. Challenges like geopolitical disruptions and supply chain issues persist, but the market is supported by the growing adoption of advanced fracturing techniques. The forecast period of 2020–2030F is expected to see sustained growth as manufacturers leverage technological advancements and policy support to meet global energy demands for efficient, sustainable proppant solutions.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Mining Activities through Hydraulic Fracking

The global proppants market is significantly driven by the increase in mining activities through hydraulic fracking, which requires proppants to maintain fracture conductivity in oil and gas extraction. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a mixture of proppant, water, and chemicals into wells to create fractures, allowing hydrocarbons to flow. Conventional wells use approximately 136 tons of proppant, while shale gas wells can consume over 1815 tons per well, as per industry estimates. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production averaged 12.9 million barrels per day in 2023, with projections for growth, underscoring the role of proppants in fracking operations.

This trend is supported by research from the International Energy Agency, highlighting global oil demand growth, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where countries like China are expanding fracking to meet energy needs. Manufacturers are developing high-strength ceramic proppants for deep wells, improving recovery rates in tight formations. Government policies, such as OPEC's upstream investment plans, which increased from USD 30 billion in 2019 to USD 36.5 billion in 2020, further encourage proppant adoption for optimized production. The focus on recovering oil from mature fields using EOR techniques amplifies demand for durable proppants. This driver is expected to propel market growth through 2030, as fracking activities intensify to meet global energy requirements.

Increasing Demand for Natural Gases

The growing demand for natural gases is a key driver of the global proppants market, as proppants are essential for extracting gas from unconventional sources like shale and tight formations. Natural gas production relies on hydraulic fracturing, where proppants hold open fractures to enable gas flow. The energy security of countries depends on hydrocarbon availability, with technological advancements in fracking boosting production capacities. Governments are increasing storage and production, as seen in China's tight gas and shale gas accounting for 44% of domestic natural gas production in 2021, driving proppant demand.

This trend is backed by data from the International Energy Agency, indicating rising global natural gas consumption, particularly in developing economies. Manufacturers are innovating resin-coated proppants for better performance in gas wells, enhancing conductivity and durability. Policies promoting cleaner energy, such as subsidies for natural gas exploration in the United States, support market expansion. The shift toward natural gas as a transitional fuel reduces coal dependency, amplifying proppant use in methane extraction. This driver is expected to fuel market growth through 2030, as demand for natural gases continues to rise globally.

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Key Market Challenges

Supply Chain Disruptions Due to Geopolitical Events

The proppants market faces significant challenges from supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical events, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, which have created gaps in raw material availability and transportation. These disruptions increase costs and delay deliveries, impacting mining activities reliant on consistent proppant supply. For instance, the conflict has affected global trade routes, leading to shortages in ceramic proppants and frac sand, as noted in industry reports. Manufacturers in regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific struggle with higher logistics expenses and reduced access to key materials.

The reliance on imported raw materials exacerbates vulnerabilities, particularly for high-strength proppants requiring specific sands and resins. Smaller producers face difficulties in securing contracts, limiting their competitiveness. Addressing this challenge requires diversified supply chains and local sourcing, but economic uncertainties hinder progress. The industry must navigate these disruptions to maintain growth and stability through 2030.

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Compliance

Environmental concerns and stringent regulations pose major challenges for the proppants market, as hydraulic fracturing raises issues like water contamination and seismic activity. Policies like the European Union’s REACH framework require proppants to meet safety standards, increasing R&D costs for eco-friendly formulations. The shift to sustainable practices involves challenges in developing biodegradable proppants, as traditional materials contribute to waste.

Compliance with regulations is difficult for smaller manufacturers in emerging markets, limiting innovation. The focus on reducing carbon footprints amplifies demand for green alternatives, but scalability issues persist. The industry must balance regulatory demands with operational needs to ensure long-term growth through 2030.

Key Market Trends

Improvement in Fracturing Technology

The improvement in fracturing technology is a key trend in the global proppants market, driven by the shift from conventional to unconventional extraction methods requiring advanced proppants. Modern ceramic proppants, made from high-quality oxidized kaolin clay, offer superior strength and conductivity for deep wells. This trend is supported by the adoption of horizontal multistage fracturing, enhancing recovery rates in shale gas and tight oil formations.

In North America, innovations in lightweight proppants reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency, aligning with energy independence goals. Manufacturers are developing resin-coated variants for better performance under high pressure. The trend toward advanced fracturing is expected to drive market growth through 2030, as technologies optimize extraction and reduce environmental impact.

Rising Demand from Growing Economies

The rising demand from growing economies is a significant trend in the proppants market, as countries like China, India, and Brazil expand oil and gas exploration. Tight gas and shale gas production in China accounted for 44% of domestic natural gas in 2021, boosting proppant use. This trend is fueled by trade benefits and investments in unconventional resources.

In Asia-Pacific, rapid industrialization drives demand for frac sand and ceramic proppants in hydraulic fracturing. Manufacturers are establishing local production to meet needs, supported by policies promoting energy security. The focus on developing economies is expected to propel market growth through 2030, as exploration activities increase to satisfy energy demands.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on type, the high-strength ceramic proppants segment has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the global proppants market in 2024 and is anticipated to maintain its strong growth momentum throughout the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by their superior mechanical properties, including higher crush resistance, enhanced conductivity, and improved performance in high-pressure and high-temperature oil and gas wells. High-strength ceramic proppants are increasingly preferred in unconventional drilling operations such as shale gas and tight oil extraction, where durability and efficiency are critical for maximizing production output. Advancements in manufacturing technologies have made these proppants more cost-effective and widely accessible, further boosting adoption. The rising demand for energy, coupled with expanding exploration and production activities in challenging reservoirs, is expected to continue driving the demand for high-strength ceramic proppants globally. Their role in enhancing productivity ensures they remain a vital choice for the oil and gas industry.

Application Insights

Based on application, the shale gas segment dominates the global proppants market in 2024 and is anticipated to maintain its leading position over the forecast period. . This dominance is driven by the rising demand for hydraulic fracturing operations, particularly in major shale gas-producing regions such as North America and parts of Asia-Pacific. The growing adoption of advanced drilling technologies, coupled with increasing investments in unconventional energy resources, is further boosting shale gas exploration and production activities. Supportive government policies and the need for energy security are fueling market growth. As a result, shale gas remains the primary driver of proppant consumption globally.

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Regional Insights

Based on region, North America emerges as the largest market in the global proppants industry, driven by its strong shale gas and tight oil production activities. The region benefits from abundant unconventional hydrocarbon reserves, particularly in the United States, where formations such as the Permian Basin, Bakken, and Eagle Ford play a key role in driving demand. Advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies have significantly boosted productivity, increasing the need for high-quality proppants. Additionally, favorable regulatory frameworks, well-established infrastructure, and consistent investment by major oilfield service providers support market growth. Rising energy demand, coupled with a focus on energy independence, further strengthens North America’s dominant position in the global proppants market during the forecast period. continues to bolster the region’s dominant position in the global Proppants market.

Recent Development

• In August 2025, Iron Oak Energy Solutions announced the acquisition of Northern White assets from HC Minerals, Inc., enhancing its capacity to serve the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. The deal includes the Wyeville, Wisconsin plant with over three million tons per year of Northern White Sand capacity and strategically located terminals in Appalachia. This acquisition boosts Iron Oak’s total production capacity to 37 million tons annually, expands its rail-connected distribution network, and strengthens its presence in both oil and natural gas basins. The move aligns with the company’s growth strategy, targeting rising natural gas demand driven by power generation, data centers, and LNG exports.
• In 2025, ProFrac Holding Corp. has launched an underwritten public offering of $75 million in Class A common stock, with a 30-day option for underwriters to purchase up to an additional USD 11.25 million. Proceeds will be used to repay borrowings under its senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, pursue potential investment opportunities, and support working capital and general corporate purposes. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers. The offering will be conducted under the company’s effective shelf registration statement filed with the SEC.

Key Market Players

• JSC Borovichi Refractories Plant
• US Silica Holdings Inc.
• Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.
• Smart Sand Inc.
• Badger Mining Corporation
• Xinmi Wanli Industry Development Co., Ltd.
• Petro Welt Technologies AG
• Mineração Curimbaba Ltda
• Vikas Proppant & Granite Limited
• Nika Petro Tech

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Proppants Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Proppants Market, By Type:
• Frac Sand
• Resin Coated Frac Sand
• Resin Coated Ceramic Proppants
• High Strength Ceramic Proppants
• Proppants Market, By Application:
• Shale gas
• Coalbed Methane
• Tight Gas
• Tight Oil
• Deep Gas
• Others
• Proppants Market, By region:
• North America
• United States
• Mexico
• Canada
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Japan
• Australia
• Europe
• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in global Proppants market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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