The United States was once a leading global producer of fluorspar, but domestic mining activity has declined significantly since the mid-20th century due to foreign competition, particularly from Mexico and China. As a result, the U.S. now relies almost entirely on imports to meet its fluorspar needs, with Mexico being the primary supplier.
However, there is renewed interest in revitalizing domestic production, driven by fluorspar’s classification as a “critical mineral” for national security and economic reasons
History of U.S. Fluorspar Mining
- Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District: This region, spanning southeastern Illinois and western Kentucky, was the heart of American fluorspar production for decades. From the 1940s to the 1990s, the district was a major source of fluorspar for the U.S. and was crucial during World War II.
- Decline of the Industry: Starting in the 1970s, the U.S. fluorspar mining industry began to decline as it became more economical to import the mineral from abroad. The last major mine in the Illinois-Kentucky district ceased operations in the mid-1990s.
- Sporadic Production: Since then, domestic production has been minimal, primarily consisting of small amounts of fluorspar recovered as a byproduct of other mining operations, such as limestone quarrying.
Current Status and Future Outlook
The U.S. has a strategic vulnerability in its fluorspar supply chain, as it is 100% reliant on imports. This has led to a push for new domestic projects, especially with the growing demand for fluorspar in high-tech sectors like electric vehicle (EV) batteries and semiconductors.
CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. (CleanTech CTV): This is a key company working to re-establish U.S. fluorspar production. CleanTech CTV has acquired several projects in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, including the Campbell-Crotser Fluorspar Project in Kentucky.
The company is advancing exploration and development plans to confirm historic resources and bring new production online. Its goal is to establish a reliable domestic fluorspar supply, supporting U.S. industries such as steel, chemicals, and EV batteries.
New Sources: The U.S. also has other potential sources of fluorine. For example, some companies are recovering fluorosilicic acid (a precursor to hydrofluoric acid) from phosphate rock processing plants.
