Fluorspar, also known as fluorite, is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2) that’s used in various industrial processes, including steelmaking, aluminum production, and the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid.
Uses:
- Steelmaking: Fluorspar is used as a flux to lower the melting point of raw materials in steel production, aiding in impurity removal.
- Aluminum Production: It’s used in the production of aluminum.
- Hydrofluoric Acid Production: Fluorspar is a key source of fluorine for the production of hydrofluoric acid (HF).
- Other Applications: It’s also used in the manufacture of refrigerants, uranium fuel, and various fluorochemicals.
- Lithium-ion batteries: Fluorspar is finding increasing application in the lithium-ion battery industry, with uses in cathode binders (PVDF), separator coatings (PVDF), electrolytes (LiPF6), and anode purification (hydrofluoric acid