This study covers: The range of primary chemicals obtained at present from seawater, inland brines and rock salt deposits; A review of established plants; Process flow diagrams; Process descriptions; Material and energy requirements of the major processes; Capital and operating costs and personnel requirements; Probable future trends of production, with special reference to bromine production as a consequence of existing and proposed restrictions on automobile exhausts and atmospheric pollution, and alternative utilization of bromine; The development of secondary industries based on the primary chemicals specified above. The study further examines the possibility of producing chemicals from seawater and other brines in conjunction with the desalination of seawater. The steps that would be necessary to initiate such a chemical complex are outlined. Excluded from the study are mineral deposits on the ocean floor, sulphur, and petroleum and natural gas.