A market feasibility study exploring the possibility of building a Continuous Basalt Fiber (CBF) manufacturing operation on Hawaiʻi island is now complete. Funded by the State of Hawaiʻi, the study was contracted by PISCES to defense and aerospace consulting firm, SMA, in March 2018. The study sought to determine whether a CBF operation could be profitable and benefit the local economy.

The study results report:

  • Current global market demand for CBF
  • Manufacturing capabilities throughout the world
  • Average market price for CBF products
  • Estimated cost to build and operate a CBF plant on Hawaii Island
  • A business model to operate a CBF facility
  • Estimated cost comparison between CBF manufactured in Hawaii and other places in the world
  • Potential number of jobs and range of wages a facility would provide

PISCES has been working with Hawaiian basalt as a feedstock for ISRU (in-situ resource utilization) for sustainable Earth and in space. Hawaiʻi’s basalt meets the specific chemical requirements to manufacture CBF, a material similar to fiberglass and carbon-fiber. CBF products have a high resistance to corrosion and heat, and high tensile strength. Globally, CBF manufacturing is valued at around $100 million and expected to double in the coming decade.

To request a copy of the completed study, please contact us.