Sep 2024
Regulatory Change for Fluorspar in United States
The EPA issued administrative consequences to 52 entities under the AIM Act, affecting HFC production and indirectly influencing fluorospar demand.
Fluorspar trade
Fluorspar (<97% Caf)
Fluorspar is a naturally occurring mineral composed mainly of calcium fluoride (CaF2) that is extracted from open-pit and underground mines around the world. The primary sources of this mineral are China, Mexico, and Mongolia. The main uses for fluorspar include the production of hydrofluoric acid, which is used in various industries such as aluminum, electronics, steel, and uranium ore processing. Fluorspar is also used to produce cryolite, a key component in the aluminum smelting process. Additionally, its unique...
Fluorspar is a naturally occurring mineral composed mainly of calcium fluoride (CaF2) that is extracted from open-pit and underground mines around the world. The primary sources of this mineral are China, Mexico, and Mongolia.
The main uses for fluorspar include the production of hydrofluoric acid, which is used in various industries such as aluminum, electronics, steel, and uranium ore processing. Fluorspar is also used to produce cryolite, a key component in the aluminum smelting process. Additionally, its unique properties make it suitable for producing high-performance materials like ceramics, glass, and enamels.
The extraction of fluorspar involves crushing, grinding, and concentrating the ore through various processes, including flotation and magnetic separation. The resulting product is a high-purity calcined fluorspar that contains 97% or less of calcium fluoride. Proper waste management and environmental protection measures are crucial in the production process due to potential hazardous chemicals like fluoride and heavy metals present in the waste rock and tailings.
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Relevant Events
Aug 2024
Mine Expansion for Fluorspar in United States
The ramp at the Utah fluorspar mine reached its targeted drilling depth, marking a key construction milestone.
Mar 2024
Mine Closure for Fluorspar in China
China conducted safety inspections and upgrades from March to August, halting fluorspar mining operations and constraining supply.
Feb 2024
Mine Opening for Fluorspar in United States
A U.S. company began construction of a new fluorspar mine in Utah, installing a ramp toward the targeted drilling depth.
Feb 2024
Mine Restart for Fluorspar in Canada
New owners announced plans to restart a previously idled fluorspar mine in Canada in 2025.
Feb 2024
Regulatory Change for Fluorspar in United States
A U.S. chemical company stopped selling certain HFCs used in commercial refrigeration, impacting HFC supply and downstream fluorospar use.
2024
Processing Startup for Fluorspar in United States
Completion of the Delta, Utah processing plant for fluorspar was expected by year‑end, expanding domestic refining capacity.
2024
Regulatory Change for Fluorspar in China
China eliminated the 3% import tax on low‑arsenic fluorspar, boosting imports by 55% in the first half of 2024.
2024
Reserve Revision for Fluorspar in China
China’s fluorspar reserves were revised upward to 86,000 tons based on recent company and government reports.
2024
Reserve Revision for Fluorspar in Iran
Iran’s fluorspar reserves were updated to 7,600 tons following new company and government data.
2024
Reserve Revision for Fluorspar in Vietnam
Vietnam’s fluorspar reserves were revised to 16,000 tons based on recent company reports.
2024
Trade Agreement for Fluorspar in China
China’s fluorspar imports surged 55% in the first half of 2024, primarily from Mongolia, reflecting supply constraints.
1 Dec 2021
Mine Closure for Fluorspar in Morocco
SAMINE closed its El Hammam underground fluorite mine, ending production of acid‑grade fluorite.
23 Nov 2021
Resource Revision for Fluorspar in United States
Ares expanded its land holdings around the Lost Sheep property, adding 160 new drill targets.
22 Nov 2021
Processing Startup for Fluorspar in United States
Paducah DUF6 conversion plant resumed operations after a COVID‑19‑related hiatus.
1 Nov 2021
Ownership Change for Fluorspar in United States
Koura acquired Silatronix to advance fluorinated electrolytes for Li‑ion batteries.
1 Sep 2021
Accident for Fluorspar in Vietnam
A mechanical failure at Vietnam's Nui Phao mine reduced plant throughput in the third quarter of 2021.
1 Sep 2021
Trade Agreement for Fluorspar in Mongolia
Gobishoo entered into an exclusive sales agent agreement with Fluorspar Ltd., expanding market access in Asia and Europe.
1 Aug 2021
Other for Fluorspar in South Korea
Hyundai Steel, Samsung, and Pos Ceramics developed a semiconductor waste recycling technology for steelmaking, reducing fluorite consumption.
15 Jul 2021
Processing Startup for Fluorspar in United States
Ares Strategic Mining Inc. acquired a processing plant from China's Mujim Group to be built in Utah, enabling production of high‑grade fluorite at 5,000 t/month.
5 May 2021
Processing Shutdown for Fluorspar in United States
Solvay ceased using fluorosurfactant process aids at its West Deptford PVDF plant by end of June 2021.
23 Feb 2021
Processing Startup for Fluorspar in United States
DOE upgraded both Paducah and Portsmouth DUF6 facilities to improve safety and operational reliability.
1 Jan 2019
Mine Opening for Fluorspar in South Africa
South African fluorspar mine under construction was expected to begin production in early 2019, potentially boosting local output.
1 Dec 2018
Reserve Revision for Fluorspar in Brazil
Brazilian fluorspar reserves were revised based on updated government data.
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