Talc and Pyrophyllite Reserves by Country
South Korea reported 8,100 thousand metric tons in 2018, 100,000 in 2019, and 81,000 ever since. The dataset draws on the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026 and reports estimated quantities that can be economically extracted. Reserves are a stock measure rather than annual mine output. The table covers 7 countries, all with reported 2025 values, and listed reserves totalled 554,000 thousand metric tons in 2025.
The United States (140,000 thousand metric tons), India (110,000) and Japan (100,000) sit within 40,000 of one another — just under two-thirds of the listed total in three countries. South Korea (81,000) and China (60,000) follow, with Brazil (48,000) and Türkiye (15,000) completing the ranking. The ranking spans 15,000 to 140,000 — nearly a tenfold spread. South Korea's jump from 8,100 to 100,000 thousand metric tons in 2019 — more than twelvefold — remains the largest single-year multiple in the table's history. It then settled at 81,000 for 2020 and remained there through 2025, holding fourth place in every year since. The United States reported nothing for 2021 between six identical 140,000 readings; China reported nothing the same year between 82,000 and 56,000. Both gaps closed the next year — the United States back at 140,000, China at 56,000, then 72,000, then 60,000. Those were the only missing values in the 2021 column. India peaked at 130,000 thousand metric tons in 2019, dropped to 106,000 in 2020, and has held 110,000 in every year since 2021. China was more uneven: 82,000 for three straight years, a gap in 2021, then 56,000, 72,000 and 60,000 in both 2024 and 2025. South Korea's 81,000 since 2020 provides a much steadier series between them. Brazil's rise from 45,000 to 48,000 (+6.7%) was the only movement anywhere in 2025. Türkiye entered at 15,000 in 2023 and has held it — the smallest figure listed, yet enough for seventh place. Japan, meanwhile, has reported exactly 100,000 in all eight years shown. Figures come from the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2019-2026, with 2025 values estimated. Units are thousand metric tons, exactly as reported. Empty means the source reported no value; 0 means the source reports zero. The source publishes no world total for reserves, 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.
Talc and Pyrophyllite Reserves by Country
1
140,000
2
110,000
3
100,000
4
81,000
5
60,000
6
48,000
7
15,000
The 2019 leap that stuck
Two gaps in 2021
India peaked, China kept changing
A nudge and a newcomer
Talc and Pyrophyllite Reserves by Country
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1
140,000
140,000
140,000
-
140,000
140,000
140,000
140,000
2
110,000
130,000
106,000
110,000
110,000
110,000
110,000
110,000
3
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
4
8,100
100,000
81,000
81,000
81,000
81,000
81,000
81,000
5
82,000
82,000
82,000
-
56,000
72,000
60,000
60,000
6
44,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
45,000
48,000
7
-
-
-
-
-
15,000
15,000
15,000
Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
What are talc and pyrophyllite reserves?
Talc and pyrophyllite reserves are estimated quantities of these minerals that can be economically extracted under applicable conditions, measured here in thousand metric tons. Production measures the amount mined in a year.
Which countries hold the most talc and pyrophyllite reserves?
The United States (140,000 thousand metric tons), India (110,000) and Japan (100,000) reported the largest 2025 values.
Why do the US and China show 2021 gaps?
Both countries have empty 2021 cells between reported values — the United States returned at 140,000 in 2022. An empty cell means not reported, not zero.
Who never moves?
Japan reported exactly 100,000 thousand metric tons in every year shown. India has remained close to 110,000 since 2020, while the other countries have changed more noticeably.
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: 13.09.2026https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/mineral-commodity-summaries
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