The U.S. Import Market For Fluorspar

The importance of fluorspar to the United States and the world and the role it plays in industry and society extend far beyond that which is suggested by its measured production and consumption quantities and declared value. Compared to many other industrial minerals, the annual worldwide consumption of 5 million short tons valued at less than $500 million are not impressive figures. Fluorspar is made special primarily because of its status as a critical and strategic commodity; it is essential for the processing of most steels and all aluminum. It also is the raw material for the production of elemental fluorine, which plays a part in uranium refining.