Fluorspar (Acid Grade)

Mexico City-based diversified specialty chemical company (BMV: ORBIA); formed from Mexichem + Wavin + Netafim + other businesses. Fluorochemicals operations through the Koura brand (formerly Mexichem Fluor). Primary HFC production at Runcorn, Cheshire, UK (Koura Runcorn) — produces HFCs including R-404A components and HFO-1234ze alternatives. Also has fluorochemicals operations in Mexico (San Luis Potosí) and the US. Koura is one of the world's largest fluorochemical companies; the UK Runcorn site produces HCFCs, HFCs, and HFOs. As EU F-Gas Regulation phases out high-GWP HFCs, Koura/Orbia is transitioning its product portfolio toward HFOs. Orbia also makes water infrastructure products (Wavin), precision irrigation (Netafim), and data solutions.

Hangzhou-based Chinese fluorspar producer with estimated ~14% global acid-grade market share. Operates domestic flotation facilities in China and investing in MINGLIDA Mongolia expansion (200-300K tpy). Key supplier to China's domestic HF acid and fluorochemical industries.

China's largest fluorochemical company (SHEX: 600160) based in Quzhou, Zhejiang; produces R-32, R-125, R-410A, and other HFC refrigerants at ~15% global HVAC refrigerant market share. Effectively locked out of US market by antidumping duties (101-216%) and 2024 circumvention rulings. China's largest HFC exporters (Juhua, Dongyue, Sinochem Lantian) supply Asian, European, and Latin American HVAC markets. Also produces HF acid, fluoropolymers, and PVDF — same Juhua Quzhou complex that produces HBM memory substrate chemicals also makes most of Asia's air conditioning refrigerant.

Spanish mining group; world's second-largest acid-grade fluorspar producer with 340,000+ tpa combined capacity. Operates Vergenoeg mine (240K tpa, Gauteng, South Africa — 85% Minersa / 15% MEDU Capital) and MPD Fluorspar (Minerales y Productos Derivados, ~100K tpa, Salamanca, Spain).

Mongolian state-owned enterprise; leading domestic fluorspar producer operating the Bor-Undur underground mine (200m depth) and Khukh Del open-pit, with on-site Bor-Undur Ore Dressing Plant processing 550-600K tons ore/year. Produces FF-97 acid-grade concentrate (>97% CaF2); 90-95% fluorite recovery. Accounts for >35% of Mongolia's total fluorspar output.

Italian fluorochemical company based in Sardinia; specialized refiner converting acid-grade fluorspar concentrate into hydrofluoric acid and downstream fluorochemicals. Acquired Noralf (Norway) in 2016 for aluminum fluoride production. Operates Macchiareddu refining plant near Cagliari.

Vietnamese mining company operating the Nui Phao polymetallic mine in Thai Nguyen Province — the world's largest known tungsten deposit and USGS-ranked 5th globally for fluorspar. Produces 220-250,000 tpa acid-grade fluorspar (97% CaF2), plus tungsten, copper, bismuth, and aluminum fluoride. MOU for 70,000 tpa supply to South Korea's first AHF plant (Fluorine Korea, 2026 startup).

U.S. startup restarting domestic fluorspar production at Lost Sheep Mine, Delta County, Utah. Awarded $168.9M initial / $250M ceiling 5-year IDIQ contract by Pentagon's Defense Logistics Agency (DLA, 2024) to supply acid-grade fluorspar for defense applications including enriched uranium, aluminum, lithium-ion batteries, and refrigerants. First domestic U.S. fluorspar production in decades; projected 45,400-54,500 tpa (2026 startup).