7 Nov 2025
Regulatory Change for Boron in United States
The U.S. Federal Register published the 2025 Critical Minerals List, adding boron to the list, thereby elevating its policy status and potential support.
Commodity
Boron
Boron is a naturally occurring, chemical element with the atomic number 5 and the symbol "B" on the periodic table. It is not found in its free form in nature, but as a compound in minerals such as borates. Boron's origin is traced to the interior of stars, where it is produced in nuclear reactions. Boron has a wide range of primary uses across various industries. In the metallurgical industry, it is used as an addit...
Boron is a naturally occurring, chemical element with the atomic number 5 and the symbol "B" on the periodic table. It is not found in its free form in nature, but as a compound in minerals such as borates. Boron's origin is traced to the interior of stars, where it is produced in nuclear reactions.
Boron has a wide range of primary uses across various industries. In the metallurgical industry, it is used as an additive to increase the strength and heat resistance of metals and alloys. In the agricultural sector, boron-based compounds are used as micronutrients to enhance plant growth and development. Boron is also used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and detergents. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the production of semiconductors and other high-technology applications.
The production of boron involves the extraction of boron-containing minerals, such as borax and kernite, from underground mines or open-pit operations. The minerals are then crushed and concentrated through a series of processes, including froth flotation, thickening, and filtration. The concentrated boron minerals are then chemically treated to produce boric acid, which is further processed to produce boron oxide. Finally, boron is produced through the reduction of boron oxide using magnesium or other reducing agents.
Production
Borates
Boron is a naturally occurring mineral commodity primarily composed of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen, used in various applications including glass and ceramics manufacturing, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and the prod...
Boron is a naturally occurring mineral commodity primarily composed of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen, used in various applications including glass and ceramics manufacturing, agriculture, industrial chemicals, and the production of advanced materials such as high-strength fibers and steel.
Trade
Other Borates
Boron is a vital trade commodity derived from natural sources such as borate minerals with multiple industrial, technological, agricultural, and construction applications including glass, ceramics, detergents, aerospace...
Boron is a vital trade commodity derived from natural sources such as borate minerals with multiple industrial, technological, agricultural, and construction applications including glass, ceramics, detergents, aerospace materials, fertilizers, pesticides, and high-strength lightweight materials.
Trade
Borax
Borates are naturally occurring boron-containing minerals and their concentrates used in various industries including glass, ceramics, detergents, agriculture, and fire retardants due to their essential components in the...
Borates are naturally occurring boron-containing minerals and their concentrates used in various industries including glass, ceramics, detergents, agriculture, and fire retardants due to their essential components in these applications.
Trade
Boron, Tellurium
Boron is a naturally occurring non-metallic element with primary uses including glass, ceramics, fertilizers, detergents, aircraft and car parts, and nuclear reactor supplements.
Boron is a naturally occurring non-metallic element with primary uses including glass, ceramics, fertilizers, detergents, aircraft and car parts, and nuclear reactor supplements.
Trade
Boric Acids
Boron is a lightweight, non-toxic metalloid used primarily in the production of glass and ceramics due to its ability to lower melting points and increase thermal resistance.
Boron is a lightweight, non-toxic metalloid used primarily in the production of glass and ceramics due to its ability to lower melting points and increase thermal resistance.
Trade
Perborate
Boron is a significant trade commodity used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent in various industries including laundry detergents, textiles, and food processing.
Boron is a significant trade commodity used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent in various industries including laundry detergents, textiles, and food processing.
Trade
Sodium Borate
Sodium borates are a type of metalloid-based chemical produced by heating borate minerals to create a fluxing agent used in glass and ceramics production, as well as in cleaning products and manufacture of enamels, paint...
Sodium borates are a type of metalloid-based chemical produced by heating borate minerals to create a fluxing agent used in glass and ceramics production, as well as in cleaning products and manufacture of enamels, paints, and plastics.
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Jul 2025
Project Delay for Boron in United States
An Australian mine developer postponed construction of its Nevada boron project until March 2026 due to an 80% drop in lithium prices, delaying boron by‑product production.
1 Jun 2025
Regulatory Change for Boron in Serbia
The European Commission designated the Jadar project in Serbia as a strategic critical raw material project, supporting investment and supply security for boron and lithium.
1 May 2025
Discovery for Boron in Serbia
Geologic exploration of Serbia’s Jarandol Basin confirmed boron mineralization, indicating new potential boron reserves.
1 May 2025
Mine Expansion for Boron in Serbia
A Canada‑based developer signed a letter of intent to renovate and extend the mine life of the Pobrdje mine in Serbia, expanding boron (colemanite) production capacity.
2024
Regulatory Change for Boron in United States
The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024 included an amendment to study boron supply chains, potentially influencing U.S. policy and investment in boron-related industries.
2024
Regulatory Change for Boron in United States
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment was expected to complete the boron supply chain study by Q1 2024, providing guidance on future U.S. defense-related boron requirements.
1 Apr 2023
Mine Opening for Boron in United States
Construction began on a California boron mine project in April, aimed at producing specialty boron products for decarbonization and food security industries.
Mar 2023
Processing Startup for Boron in Turkey
Turkey opened its first boron carbide facility in March 2023, adding a 1,000‑ton‑per‑year production capacity to the global boron carbide supply.
1 Jan 2023
Mine Opening for Boron in United States
The Nevada-based boron project is anticipated to begin production in 2023, marking the opening of a new boron mine.
1 Jan 2023
Reserve Revision for Boron in China
China's boron reserves were revised based on government reports, updating the reserve estimate to 21,000 metric tons of boric oxide equivalent.
Sep 2022
Processing Startup for Boron in Turkey
Turkey began construction of a ferroboron facility in September 2022, expanding domestic capacity for ferroboron used in permanent magnets.
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