2023
Processing Startup for Beryllium in Russia
Russia’s JSC Mariinsky Mine reported plans to build a new flotation factory within three years to process 250,000 t/yr of emerald‑beryllium ore and produce 50 t/yr of beryllium metal.
Beryllium production
Beryllium
Beryllium is a valuable element extracted from the mineral beryl, primarily found in igneous rocks. It is not mined in its pure form, but rather through extraction from minerals such as aquamarine and emerald. The primary use of beryllium lies in high-technology applications due to its unique properties, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, high melting point, and transparency to X-rays. Beryllium is used in various industries, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and nuclear energy. Its uses inc...
Beryllium is a valuable element extracted from the mineral beryl, primarily found in igneous rocks. It is not mined in its pure form, but rather through extraction from minerals such as aquamarine and emerald.
The primary use of beryllium lies in high-technology applications due to its unique properties, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, high melting point, and transparency to X-rays. Beryllium is used in various industries, including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and nuclear energy. Its uses include the production of high-tech ceramics, electrical contacts, and non-sparking tools.
Producing beryllium involves complex processes, starting with mining, crushing, and concentrating the beryl ore through methods like flotation and magnetic separation. The resulting concentrate is then roasted to produce beryllium hydroxide, which is dissolved in sulfuric acid and precipitated out as beryllium hydroxide. This is filtered, washed, and calcined to produce beryllium oxide, before being reduced to pure beryllium using magnesium or aluminum. The resulting product is a fine powder that requires consolidation into a solid form for use.
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Countries Producing Beryllium
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Relevant Events
2022
Other for Beryllium in United States
The Defense Logistics Agency National Defense Stockpile sold 9 t of hot‑pressed beryllium powder in 2022, supplying defense and industrial users.
1 Jan 2019
Mine Expansion for Beryllium in Russia
Mariinsky Priisk JSC planned to reconstruct the underground mine at its deposit and build beryllium concentration and metal production facilities, expanding extraction and processing.
1 Jan 2019
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
U.S. National Defense Stockpile upgraded hotpressed beryllium powder to hot isostatic pressing structured powder, improving product quality and readiness.
1 Jan 2019
Project Expansion for Beryllium in Russia
Mariinsky Priisk JSC announced plans to establish a beryllium metal plant by 2025, signaling new production capacity in Russia.
2019
Processing Startup for Beryllium in Russia
JSC Mariinsky Mine announced plans to produce beryllium metal by 2025, aiming to increase Russia’s domestic beryllium supply.
1 May 2018
Regulatory Change for Beryllium in United States
The U.S. Department of the Interior published a list of 35 critical minerals, adding beryllium and elevating its strategic importance.
1 Jan 2018
Processing Startup for Beryllium in United States
The leading U.S. beryllium producer launched a comprehensive recycling program that recovers about 40% of beryllium from alloy scrap.
1 Jan 2018
Regulatory Change for Beryllium in United States
The Defense Logistics Agency Strategic Materials set a strategic stockpile target of 47 tons of beryllium metal in the National Defense Stockpile.
1 Jan 2018
Reserve Revision for Beryllium in United States
U.S. beryllium reserves were revised upward based on updated company information, reflecting new resource estimates.
1 Jan 2015
Mine Expansion for Beryllium in United States
Materion invested $23 million to develop bertrandite pits in Topaz-Spor Mountain, increasing mine output potential.
2015
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
Materion invested $23 million to further develop bertrandite pits in the Topaz‑Spor Mountain region, enhancing ore extraction capacity.
31 Dec 2014
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
The leading U.S. beryllium producer expanded beryllium hydroxide production capacity at its Delta, Utah facility, anticipating that global demand would exceed production over the next three years.
31 Dec 2014
Tariff Change for Beryllium in United States
Tariffs on beryllium oxide and hydroxide increased to 3.7% ad val and on unwrought beryllium powders to 8.5% ad val, effective 31 December 2014, raising import costs and influencing trade flows.
1 Jan 2013
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
Materion expanded its Delta, Utah plant capacity for beryllium hydroxide production, enhancing supply.
2013
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
Materion increased capacity to produce beryllium hydroxide at its Delta, Utah plant, expanding domestic hydroxide production.
1 Jan 2012
Processing Startup for Beryllium in United States
The Elmore, Ohio beryllium facility became operational, adding 73 t/yr production capacity to U.S. output.
2012
Processing Startup for Beryllium in United States
Materion’s primary beryllium plant in Elmore, Ohio, entered service, providing a 73‑t/yr capacity for producing high‑purity beryllium metal.
1 Jan 2008
Other for Beryllium in United States
U.S. Defense Department partnered with Materion to build a primary beryllium facility, initiating a key domestic production capacity.
2008
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
The U.S. Department of Defense invested in a public–private partnership with Materion Corp. to build a primary beryllium facility in Elmore, Ohio, expanding domestic production capacity for high‑purity beryllium metal.
1 Dec 2005
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in United States
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Brush Wellman Inc. a $9 million contract in December 2005 to design a new beryllium metal facility, expanding U.S. production capacity.
Dec 2005
Reserve Revision for Beryllium in United States
BEM reported its proven bertrandite reserves in Juab County, USA, at 5.99 million dry metric tons in 2005, confirming long‑term supply.
Oct 2005
Processing Startup for Beryllium in China
In October 2005, a new beryllium refinery in Fuyun County, Xinjiang, China, began production, adding 100 t/yr of beryllium oxide and 800 t/yr of BCMA to global supply.
2005
Processing Expansion for Beryllium in Kazakhstan
The 5‑year investment program at Kazakhstan’s UMP reached completion in 2005, boosting its beryllium production capacity.
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