Fluorspar, also known as fluorite, is a key industrial mineral made of calcium fluoride (CaF₂). It’s critical for making hydrofluoric acid, aluminum, steel, fluoropolymers, and refrigerants. With growing demand for cleaner technologies, low-carbon materials, and sustainable alternatives, fluorspar is no longer just a niche commodity; it’s now a strategic mineral with global importance.
The Clean-Tech Catalyst: Why Fluorspar Is Suddenly Essential?
- Critical Mineral Status = Faster Permits: Fluorspar’s designation streamlines permitting and supports funding access.
- Onshoring Supply Chains: As geopolitical tensions rise, U.S. industries are shifting toward domestic mineral sourcing.
- Energy Security: Sectors like EV batteries, semiconductors, and steel are demanding more secure and sustainable inputs.
Market Size & Growth Forecast: Rising Demand in a Low-Supply Market
According to Mordor Intelligence, the global fluorspar market is expected to grow from 7.91 million tons in 2025 to 9.07 million tons by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.76%.
Global Fluorspar Market Size
Top Growth Drivers:
- Rising demand for fluoropolymers in medical devices and electronics
- High usage in hydrofluoric acid production for lithium-ion batteries
- Growing need for metallurgical-grade fluorspar in the steel and aluminum sectors
- Increased adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants
- Surge in EV manufacturing and solar energy installations
Meanwhile, Business Research Insights estimates the market value will rise from USD 2.96 billion in 2024 to USD 3.93 billion by 2033, driven by its diverse applications and supply constraints.
The U.S. currently imports 100% of its fluorspar needs, despite it being labeled a Critical Mineral by the U.S. government in 2018. One company grabbing this domestic momentum is Ares Strategic Mining.
Let’s take a closer look at how it’s addressing the U.S. need for fluorspar.
Ares Strategic Mining Powers North America’s Fluorspar Future
Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (the “Company”) (CSE: ARS) (OTC: ARSMF) (FRA: N8I1) has a competitive edge as it’s the only permitted fluorspar mining operation in the U.S.. It is uniquely positioned to become a leading domestic supplier, filling a critical gap in the North American supply chain.
In North America, Canada is leading the growth curve, with an estimated CAGR of 8% from 2024 to 2029. The St. Lawrence region is seeing rapid investment in fluorspar mining and processing, thanks to government support and sustainable mining incentives.
The Mexican market is also expanding, offering cross-border growth opportunities and regional trade advantages.
From Explorer to Producer: Ramping Up the Lost Sheep Project
With its fully permitted Lost Sheep Project in Utah, Ares is strategically located to serve the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – three of the most promising fluorspar markets in the Western Hemisphere.
The company owns 5,982 acres with 353 mining claims in the Spor Mountain region. With full permits in place, including approval from the Bureau of Land Management, the project has moved from exploration to development.
Since restarting operations, Ares has resumed underground mine work and construction of its processing facilities. The company recently secured $11 million in funding to accelerate the buildout. Its team is now focused on completing the metallurgical and flotation plants, which will enable near-term production and revenue generation.
What makes this transformation remarkable is that Ares will be the first and only producer of fluorspar in the U.S., a major milestone for domestic mineral supply and industrial security.
Take a peek into the Lost Sheep Project
Sustainability & Innovation
As said before, fluorspar supports greener technologies, such as low-global-warming refrigerants and high-performance polymers, in batteries and electronics. These materials are critical in the energy transition, especially for electric vehicles and solar panels.
Ares is aligning itself with these trends by focusing on responsible mining and processing. The company’s approach includes minimizing waste, using clean energy where possible, and ensuring environmental compliance. These actions not only protect the environment but also enhance Ares’ appeal to industries looking for sustainable raw materials.
Technological Edge: Better Processing, Less Waste
The company is investing in advanced plant technologies to meet the highest level of performance and environmental standards. These upgrades aim to improve fluorspar recovery rates while reducing energy use and waste. The company has brought in experts to optimize plant operations based on the specific characteristics of its ore.
This technical focus will ensure that Ares can produce high-purity fluorspar suitable for specialized uses in electronics, EV batteries, and precision industries. By improving the quality and consistency of its product, it is strengthening its competitiveness in a high-demand, low-supply market.
At the Right Time, in the Right Place
Ares is advancing its project at a critical time when global industries are urgently seeking reliable, domestic supplies of strategic minerals.
Ares Clears and Readies Site for Ore Stockpiling
James Walker, President and CEO of Ares Strategic Mining, commented
“We are delighted with the rapid progress being made on site. The teams are advancing ahead of expectations, and we are particularly excited at the prospect of beginning fluorspar stockpiling in the near term. Bringing in plant optimization experts further reinforces our commitment to deliver a highly efficient and productive operation that will establish Ares as the only domestic supplier of this critical mineral.”
With fluorspar’s U.S. supply chain currently dependent on imports, Ares can potentially fill a national gap and become a key supplier for industries vital to American infrastructure and energy independence.
