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.
Boron trade
Sodium Borate
Boron is a metalloid element extracted from minerals like borates, found in countries including the United States, Turkey, and Russia. Sodium borates are a type of processed borate mineral used as fluxing agents in glass and ceramics production, helping to lower melting points and improve material flow. They also have applications in cleaning products, enamels, paints, and plastics as preservatives and detergents. In terms of trade, sodium borates are typically traded in powdered form and classified as a bulk chemi...
Boron is a metalloid element extracted from minerals like borates, found in countries including the United States, Turkey, and Russia. Sodium borates are a type of processed borate mineral used as fluxing agents in glass and ceramics production, helping to lower melting points and improve material flow. They also have applications in cleaning products, enamels, paints, and plastics as preservatives and detergents.
In terms of trade, sodium borates are typically traded in powdered form and classified as a bulk chemical, often shipped in large bags or cargo ships. The World Bank's International Trade Centre oversees the trade of sodium borates through their WITS database, which maintains commodity codes for international trade.
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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.
31 Dec 2021
Processing Startup for Boron in United States
An Australian‑British multinational mining corporation completed a lithium demonstration plant at its Boron Mine, producing battery‑grade lithium from waste rock and demonstrating processing potential on boron mine resources.
1 Jan 2021
Mine Opening for Boron in United States
The California-based boron project is expected to commence production in 2021, opening a new boron mine.
31 Dec 2015
Tariff Change for Boron in United States
U.S. ad valorem tariffs on boric acids (1.5%) and refined borax (0.3% for anhydrous, 0.1% for non-anhydrous) were effective December 31, 2015, affecting import costs and trade flows.
1 Jan 2015
Mine Opening for Boron in Serbia
Erin Ventures Inc. initiated legal proceedings to establish a borate mine in Piskanja, Serbia, marking the planned opening of a new mine.
1 Jan 2015
Processing Expansion for Boron in Turkey
Turkey’s state‑owned Eti Maden invested in new refineries, expanding its refined borate processing capacity, which has increased production since 2008.
2015
Regulatory Change for Boron in United States
A 14% depletion allowance was applied to borax, both domestically and abroad, altering reserve accounting and mining economics.
2015
Reserve Revision for Boron in Turkey
Turkey’s boron reserves were revised from 4,100 to 4,200 thousand metric tons based on updated government reports, affecting future supply outlook.
2014
Mine Opening for Boron in Serbia
Erin Ventures Inc. initiated proceedings to start borate mining in Piskanja, Serbia, planning a new mine opening.
1 Jan 2013
Regulatory Change for Boron in European Union
The EU added borates to its REACH Restricted Substances List in 2013, requiring detergent manufacturers to reduce boron usage and thereby affecting global demand for boron compounds.
2013
Processing Expansion for Boron in Turkey
Turkey expanded refined borate production through new refineries and technologies, increasing processing capacity.
13 Dec 2012
Regulatory Change for Boron in European Union
The European Union added borates to its list of banned materials for detergents, restricting their use and impacting European borate demand.
12 Aug 2012
Ownership Change for Boron in Argentina
Rio Tinto Minerals sold its Borax Argentina mining assets, including the Tincalayu Mine, to Orocobre Ltd., changing ownership of a major Argentine boron operation.
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