Selenium: Production
Who refines selenium, and how concentrated the market is
What this tab covers Who produces it and how much: world output over recent years, the top producing countries with their shares, USGS world figures for 2024 and 2025, and the largest producing companies globally and in India.World Mining Data shows output rising from 3,397 t in 2020 to 4,237 t in 2024, about a quarter higher. The HHI of 2,280 signals moderate concentration. China supplied 42.5%, Japan 18.4% and Russia 6.1%. Output follows copper refining, not selenium demand. USGS links China's growth to a near 75% rise in its electrolytic copper refining capacity over ten years. On USGS figures China made 53% of refined selenium in 2025. A new plant in Kazakhstan shipped its first selenium in January 2025 and aims for about 75 t a year.
Selenium · WMD
2020 3,397 2021 3,816 2022 3,833 2023 4,023 2024 4,237 World production, tonnes (World Mining Data 2026).Top producers 2024
China 42.5% Japan 18.4% Russia 6.1% Belgium 4.7% Germany 4.7% Philippines 3.5% Canada 3.1% United States 2.4% Concentration: HHI 2,280, moderately concentrated.USGS estimate
World, 2024 3,670 metric tons, Se content (refinery output, excluding US) World, 2025e 3,800 metric tons, Se content (refinery output, excluding US)Largest producers by company, global
Chinese copper refiners (country total) 2,000 Japanese copper refiners (country total) 640 Russian copper refiners (country total) 320 Canadian copper refiners (country total) 130 t Se (country refinery output), latest reported year.Largest producers by company, India
- Hindalco Industries (Birla Copper, Dahej): 73.9 t Se (2010-11 (latest company figure published))
- Hindustan Copper (Ghatsila smelter, Jharkhand): 0 t Se (2019-20)
- India (country total): 90 t Se (country refinery output; capacity 100 t) (2025e)