Fluorspar is the commercial name for the naturally occurring mineral fluorite, composed of calcium and fluorine. Fluorspar is the predominant commercial source for the chemical element fluorine. Fluorine is a non-metallic element and the lightest of the halogens and therefore largely irreplaceable in its use. It is characterized by its fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
There are two principal commercial grades of fluorspar: Metallurgical grade (60-96% CaF2) and acid grade (+97% CaF2).
Fluorspar is available in two main grades: acid-grade and metallurgical-grade.
- Acid-Grade Fluorspar (97%+ CaF2) is used to produce hydrofluoric acid, essential in making refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance plastics. It’s also critical in eco-friendly refrigerants that help reduce greenhouse gases.
- Metallurgical-Grade Fluorspar (60-96% CaF2) is primarily used as a flux in steel and aluminum production, lowering melting temperatures to reduce energy consumption. It improves metal quality by removing impurities and enhances efficiency in processing.
Fluorspar is essential for both everyday and industrial applications. It’s the primary source of fluorine, which is used in refrigerants, toothpaste, non-stick cookware, and pharmaceuticals. In industry, fluorspar is crucial for steel and aluminum production, glass manufacturing, and chemical processes. Its impact extends to green technology: fluorspar-derived fluorine is vital for producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, eco-friendly refrigerants, and solar panel components. This versatility and irreplaceability make fluorspar a critical mineral in modern life.
Fluorspar mining in Kenya dates back to the 1960s when commercial deposits were first discovered in the Kerio Valley. Initially operated by the state-owned Kenya Fluorspar Company, the mine became one of the country’s key mineral exports, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, supplying global markets with high-quality fluorspar.
Fluorspar plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation through its applications in green technologies. As the main source of fluorine, fluorspar is essential in producing eco-friendly refrigerants that replace older, ozone-depleting chemicals. It’s also vital in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels, which support renewable energy adoption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By enabling these low-carbon technologies, fluorspar contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing global climate goals.