Diatomite Reserves by Country
France reported 1,000 thousand metric tons of diatomite reserves for one year only — 2024 — while the United States and Türkiye reported unchanged figures throughout the series. The figures come from eight editions of the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (2019-2026) and represent estimated quantities that can be economically extracted. Six countries appear in the table, with five reported 2025 values totaling 473,200 thousand metric tons.
The United States holds 250,000 thousand metric tons — roughly double China's 120,000. Spain (57,000) and Türkiye (44,000) follow at a distance, while South Korea stands at just 2,200. South Korea's 2,200 is under one percent of the leader's 250,000. The United States has reported 250,000 thousand metric tons in every year of the series. Türkiye shows the same stability at a smaller scale, with 44,000 reported in every year. Between them they hold nearly three-fifths of the listed total without either figure ever moving. China reported 110,000 thousand metric tons from 2018 through 2021, rose to 150,000 and then 170,000, and dropped back to 120,000 for 2024 — and remained there in 2025. The 50,000 retreat is the largest absolute move in the table, but it did not change the order of the leading countries. France's single 1,000 in 2024 makes it the briefest appearance in the table. Spain arrived in 2023 with 57,000 and has held it since, while South Korea reported 2,300 in 2022, no value in 2023, and 2,200 in both 2024 and 2025. These smaller series did not challenge the two long-term leaders. Figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026, with 2025 values estimated. Units are thousand metric tons, as reported by USGS. Empty means the source reported no value; 0 means the source reports zero. USGS reports the world reserve total as “Large” rather than as a numerical figure, so shares are computed against the sum of the listed countries. Reserves and production are different measures and should not be combined without equalizing units.
Diatomite Reserves by Country
Year
1
250,000
2025
2
120,000
2025
3
57,000
2025
4
44,000
2025
5
2,200
2025
6
1000
2024
The two unchanged series
China's rise and retreat
One-year appearances
Diatomite Reserves by Country
#
1
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
2
110,000
110,000
110,000
110,000
150,000
170,000
120,000
120,000
3
-
-
-
-
-
57,000
57,000
57,000
4
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
5
-
-
-
-
2,300
-
2,200
2,200
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
1000
-
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are diatomite reserves?
Diatomite reserves are estimated quantities of diatomite that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions, in thousand metric tons. Production measures the amount mined in a year.
Which countries hold the most diatomite reserves?
The United States (250,000 thousand metric tons) and China (120,000) reported the largest 2025 values, followed by Spain (57,000).
Why does France show only a 2024 value?
France reported 1,000 thousand metric tons for 2024 and nothing in any other year. An empty cell means not reported, not zero.
Who is the smallest 2025 reporter?
South Korea at 2,200 thousand metric tons, far below Türkiye's 44,000.
What is the reported global reserve total?
USGS reports the world total as “Large” rather than publishing a numerical figure.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 15.09.2026https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/mineral-commodity-summaries
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