Bentonite Prices Rise on Firm Drilling Demand
US bentonite prices have seen an increase in June due to firm drilling demand and disciplined supply management, which has tightened prompt availability. Activity at Wyoming strip-mines remained steady, while processors maintained run-rates and rising Rocky Mountain natural-gas costs lifted dryer and kiln operating costs throughout the early summer period.
Bentonite producers prioritized contract fulfillment and trimmed spot allocations, with Asian export inquiries absorbing volumes. The net effect was upward pressure on delivered values for sodium bentonite, underpinned by strength in oilfield service activity, foundry consumption, and resilient pet-care demand.
The demand picture was led by the oil and gas sector, where a four-rig month-on-month increase in the U.S. oil-directed fleet and stronger service activity boosted consumption of Bentonite in drilling-mud formulations.