In 2007, fluorspar production rose 26%, hitting yearly record highs, from 4.52m. tonnes in 2000 to 5.69m. tonnes. Nine countries accounted for 95% of 2008’s estimated 5.84m. tonnes global fluorspar production - yet another record and one that is likely to stay for some years.
In the post millennium period, acidspar accounted for 60-65% of total rising production levels with the balance being mostly metallurgical grade fluorspar in the form of gravel or briquettes. 2009 will be different.
China remained dominant as the world’s largest 2008 fluorspar producer with some 3.2m. tonnes (55%) followed by Mexico (980,000 tonnes), Mongolia (400,000 tonnes) and South Africa (340,000 tonnes). These four countries accounted for 84% of world production and are, historically, the major players although in terms of the all important US market ranking changed in China’s favour through the later years of the 1980s....