Fluorspar mining is a major global industry, with deposits found in over 20 countries. However, a small number of nations and a few key mines dominate global production. The most significant fluorspar mines are concentrated in countries with large, high-grade deposits and established mining infrastructure.
USA
The United States was once a leading producer of fluorspar, particularly from the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, but domestic production declined sharply after the 1990s. Today, the country relies entirely on imports, creating a strategic supply risk.
- CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. (CleanTech CTV): CleanTech CTV is working to revive fluorspar mining in the historic Illinois-Kentucky District. The company has acquired projects such as the Campbell-Crotser Fluorspar Project in Livingston County, Kentucky. With historic high-grade resources and modern exploration plans, CleanTech CTV aims to re-establish a secure, domestic fluorspar supply for U.S. industries, including steelmaking, chemicals, and the fast-growing EV battery sector.
Mexico
Mexico is one of the top fluorspar producers globally, known for having some of the largest and most productive mines.
- Las Cuevas Mine: Operated by Orbia (through its Koura division) in San Luis Potosi, this is considered the world’s largest fluorspar mine. It’s a massive open-pit and underground operation that is a primary source of both acid-grade and metallurgical-grade fluorspar. Its production represents a significant portion of the global fluorspar supply.
China
China is the world’s largest producer of fluorspar, with numerous mines spread across its provinces, particularly in Hunan, Zhejiang, and Inner Mongolia. While many deposits are of modest size, the sheer number of operations and a strong domestic demand make China a dominant force.
- Multiple Mines: Instead of a single massive mine like Las Cuevas, China’s production comes from a vast network of both large and small mines. Companies like China Kings Resources Group operate some of the most significant of these mines.
Mongolia
Mongolia has emerged as a major player in the global fluorspar market and is a top-three producer. Its fluorspar is largely exported to neighboring China and Russia.
- Bor-Undur Mine: Operated by Mongolrostsvetmet, this is Mongolia’s largest fluorspar operation. It includes both underground and open-pit mining, and the ore is processed at the Bor-Undur plant to produce both metallurgical-grade and acid-grade concentrates.
Vietnam
Vietnam has a significant fluorspar mine that has been a major source for the global market.
- Nui Phao Mine: Owned and operated by Masan High-Tech Materials, this is one of the world’s largest tungsten, fluorspar, and bismuth deposits. The mine is a major supplier of acid-grade fluorspar, particularly to markets in Asia and Europe.
Other Notable Mines and Developments
- Canada: The Lawrence fluorspar mine in Newfoundland was a significant producer but was placed on care and maintenance in 2022. There are plans to restart the operation under new ownership.
- South Africa: The MINERSA Group has operations in South Africa, which is a key producer on the African continent.
- United States: After decades of minimal production, the U.S. is looking to re-establish a domestic supply. Ares Strategic Mining Inc. is developing the Lost Sheep Mine in Utah with the goal of becoming the country’s sole fluorspar producer. This project is a key part of the U.S. strategy to secure its supply of critical minerals.
- Kenya: A UK-backed consortium is planning to restart the Kimwarer mine, which was a major producer of acid-grade fluorspar until operations were halted. Its successful reopening would bring a significant new source to the market.
