What it is
Fluorspar (calcium fluoride) is the feedstock for hydrofluoric acid, which is used to make refrigerants, lithium-battery electrolytes, fluoropolymers (PTFE), and steel flux.
Why it matters
China dominates supply. Demand from battery electrolytes (LiPF6) and semiconductors is climbing sharply.
Circular challenges
Whether fluorspar re-enters the economy at end-of-life is mostly settled at the design stage. These are the recurring blockers.
Fluorine compounds are persistent
PFAS and other fluoropolymers are durable in use but extremely hard to break down at end-of-life; environmental rules are tightening fast.
Battery electrolyte loss
Electrolyte salts are usually neutralised or thermally destroyed during battery recycling, not recovered as fluorine compounds.
Dispersive in steel
Fluorspar used as a steelmaking flux is consumed in slag and not recoverable.
Sources: European Commission, Critical Raw Materials Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1252); USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024; EU Joint Research Centre Raw Materials Information System; IEA Critical Minerals Outlook 2024.