Sulfur occurs naturally as the pure element and used in many industries. Sulphur also is a vital nutrient for crops, animals and people. Today’s sulfur production is as a side product of other industrial processes such as oil refining. The world production of sulfur in 2011 amounted to 69 million tonnes (Mt), with more than 15 countries contributing more than 1 Mt each. Countries producing more than 5 Mt are China (9.6), US (8.8), Canada (7.1) and Russia.