China has abundant barite resources which distribute in nationwide 26 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, mainly concentrated in the south. China has not only large barite reserves but also high grade barites, BaSO4>92.8%. The reserves of rich ore account for 99.4% of its total amount. The reserves of large and medium-sized ore account for 88.4% of the national total. Until the end of 1995, China has 460 million tons of explored barite reserves.

    The annual total supply of China barite is 25 million to 30 million tons, all from domestic production.

    Domestic annual consumption of barite is about 12 million to 13 million tons, among which 7 million to 8 million tons are used for oil and gas exploration, accounting for 60% of the total consumption; 4 million to 5 million tons for barium chemical products, accounting for about 30%; more than 1 million tons for other items, accounting for about 10%.

    China is the largest exporter of barite in the world. The annual export volume of barite and its products in 1990's is generally 1.5 to 2 million tons. The export volume of barite and barium salts in 1996 is 2.058 million tons and the export amount is $121 million. Among the export volume in 1996, the barite is 1.86 million tons and barium salt product is 0.198 million tons, both of which are mainly exported to the United States, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, etc.

   China imports little barite and a small amount of barium chemical products. Chinese demand for barite is big and rapidly increasing. In the next few years, domestic demand will extend continuously and the market prospects will be limitless. Profit goes without saying in this industry where demand exceeds supply.