America’s best chance to regain its fluorspar independence may lie in the Kentucky-Illinois border region. This area has the geological and infrastructural advantages that could allow for a relatively rapid redevelopment of domestic fluorspar production.
The region has a rich history of fluorspar mining, having produced approximately 3.5 million tons in the past. Geologically, it contains over 30 neighboring fluorspar prospects with contiguous deposits. The area also has immediate access to power, water, and existing facilities, which would reduce the time and cost of setting up new mining operations. Furthermore, the fact that the land is privately owned reduces the federal permitting requirements that can often stall mining projects on public lands.
The Campbell Cross Fluorspar Project in Kentucky is a prime example of this potential. The project has already undergone substantial exploration, with over 60 historical drill holes providing geological confidence and a historical resource estimate of nearly one million tons.
“The Kentucky-Illinois border is the most prospective fluorspar belt in the US,” explains John Lee. The combination of known resources, existing infrastructure, and favorable mining conditions creates an opportunity for a relatively quick revival of the industry.
However, challenges remain. There is limited precedent for base metal mining in the state in modern times, and existing regulations would need to be adapted for fluorspar mining. Despite these hurdles, Kentucky’s unique combination of resources, infrastructure, and a favorable regulatory environment make it the most promising location for re-establishing a domestic fluorspar supply.
