BORON MINING

Sourcing, extraction and mining of Boron is a complicated affair requiring huge investment for this criticial mineral. Learn how the industry players are shaping the future of boron supplies

APPLICATIONS, MINING

Boron Blue Diamonds

Boron blue diamonds - Diamonds are valued for their lustre and sparkle, making them precious commodities. Creating the beautiful diamond jewels that people adore as betrothal or pure indulgence symbols is a complex and lengthy process. Some diamonds are rarer than others. Believe it or not, Boron is the trace element that gives some rare diamonds a blue colour - the story of the Hope diamond is one such beneficiary of Boron's colour.

Company Profiles, MINING

Company Profile of US Borax

U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a global leader in the supply and science of borates - naturally occurring minerals containing boron. U.S. Borax supply 30% of the world’s need for refined borates from their mine in Boron, California

MINING

A Town Called Boron

Scientists and mining professionals know boron as a strategic mineral that powers advanced energy and serve multiple industrial, agricultural, and household applications. But there is another Boron, a town called boron in California. Many of the population of Boron work at the U.S. Borax mine nearby, after which the town was renamed.

MINING

Uncovering Decarbonization Opportunities In The Mining Industry

The mining sector has a key role in the transition to net-zero emissions. Although it currently accounts for just 4-7% of global emissions, it is one of the most energy-intensive industries, and its products are used in a wide range of other sectors.

MINING

Boron Mining Processes

Boron Mining Processes: Boron is an element that naturally occurs in nature. Borates mining producers extract boron and borates from boron-containing minerals such as colemanite, ulexite, tincal, and kernite. The bulk of known borates deposits are found in Turkey. The USA is the second largest producer. Other regions include Argentina, Chile, Russia, China, and Peru. Commercially, boron mining is attracting attention due to its strategic importance in aerospace and defence as well as in green energy and advanced energy, helped by certain boron compounds.

DECARBONIZATION, Industrial emissions, MINING

Decarbonization: Implications on different Sectors

Chemistry, MINING

Global High Purity Boron Market

The global high purity boron market will experience strong growth in the coming years. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for boron-based products.

MINING

The Boron Production Process

Boron is a naturally occurring chemical element. It is mostly found in the arid regions of California and Turkey. Pure boron is extracted and converted into various agricultural and industrial products through diverse and complex processes.

Company Profiles, MINING

Country Profile of Boron USA

Boron USA: The production of boron USA and boron extracted products in the USA is a strategic activity. Borates extraction as high-end minerals contributes to the advanced technology of industries such as aerospace and defence. They are also important to secure food supply in domestic agriculture, and contribute to decarbonisation efforts. The USA is a net importer of borates given Eti Maden’s control of supply and declining production by Rio Tinto but new sources – the Fort Cady project by ABR – will address this imbalance

INVEST IN BORON, MINING

Boron Joins the Rare Earths Club

Rare Earth elements are valuable because they have magnetic and optical properties which create technologies in components such as audio speakers, hard drives, camera lenses, MRI imaging, and monitors of all sorts. But there is a cost to mining them as post-mining purification processes create hazardous waste. Boron is a potential alternative, providing clean and superconductive, energy-efficient benefits while being cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

INDUSTRY SECTORS, INVEST IN BORON, MINING

American Pacific Borates (ABR) John Mitchell

n an ambitious move to drive its US listing process, the American Pacific Borates Limited (ASX:ABR) (“ABR” or the “Company”) has brought on board industrial minerals’-exponent John Mitchell as the chairman of its newly constituted Advisory Board. Tim Johnston and Govind Arora are the other appointees of the three-member Advisory Board.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

The European Commission has a solid policy on a raw materials initiative for access to critical minerals such as Boron. Going back to 2008 the initiative was based on three pillars: a fair supply from global markets; sustainable collection; and recycling resources.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Turkey and Boron

Today, we're going to look at Turkey and Boron. Turkey is the world's largest producer of boron through the government-owned Eti Maden. With enough reserves to cover global demand for the next 500 years, Turkey stands first in market share, manufactures, and markets 62% of the world's boron.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Mining Decarbonization

In today's podcast, we're going to look at decarbonization opportunities in the mining industry and how mining can help achieve net zero emissions.

INVEST IN BORON, MINING

Billion Dollar Boron

Billion dollar boron. In 2021, borates sales hit billions of dollars. Why? The demand for boron is increasing rapidly in strategic sectors such as aerospace and defense, zero-carbon, and advanced energy solutions, which depend on boron-based technologies to reduce emissions. Recent forecasts predict that boron demand will increase by 30% by the end of the decade.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron Markets Ultimate Guide Part 2

Today, we'll continue our look at a number of markets where boron and borax compounds are used, including the Boron Trifluoride Market, Potassium Fluoborate Market, the Tin Fluoborate Market, the Permanent Magnets Market, the Super Abrasives Market, the Cubic Boron Nitride Market, the Hexagonal Boron Nitride Market, the Lithium BIS Borate Market, and the Cubic Boron Nitrates Market.

INDUSTRY SECTORS, MINING

Boric Acid Companies

The boric acid market is fragmented with the presence of numerous players. These vendors compete based on R&D, quality, price, innovations, marketing strategies, market expansion, investments, and distribution networks. Some vendors have high investment capabilities, and they constantly focus on increasing their production capacities. Although the increase in demand from developing countries will offer immense growth opportunities, the threat of substitutes will challenge the growth of the market participants.

Company Profiles

FEAM (5E Advanced Materials) Announces New Board Members

5E Advanced Materials (NASDAQ: FEAM) is delighted to welcome three non-executive board members and looks forward to working with them from October 25, 2022.

ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Critical Minerals in Australia

Critical Minerals in Australia: The Australian Government has announced its intention to become more self-reliant in critical minerals as a result of geopolitical changes which threaten the ongoing supply of key industrial and energy commodities, which includes boron and borates.

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Novel Applications in BNNTs

Today, we're going to look at novel applications using boron nitride nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotubes, or BNNTs, are mechanically and structurally identical to carbon nanotubes. BNNTs, however, have unique properties that are electrically insulating as well as transparent because of the polarized boron nitride bond.

Company Profiles, MINING

Company Profile of American Pacific Borates

American Pacific Borates Limited (ABR) is focused on advancing its Fort Cady Borate Project located in Southern California. Fort Cady is a highly rare and large colemanite deposit and is the largest known contained traditional borate occurrence in the USA.

Company Profiles, MINING

Company Profile of Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a major player in Boron mining. The company has been around for more than 100 years. And now it employs more than 60,000 people across the globe. In this blog post, we will take a look at Rio Tinto’s role in Boron mining and where they are located.

INDUSTRY SECTORS, MINING

The Economics of Boron Production

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining

Balancing Habitat versus Critical Mineral Mining: Lithium and boron are two examples of crucial minerals essential in reducing our planet's carbon footprint for industries such as defense, automotive, construction, aviation, and aerospace. It is challenging to preserve the natural environment when starting new mines to extract these resources. How do companies such as Rio Tinto, American Pacific Borates (currently rebranding to 5E Advanced Materials), and Ioneer manage this dilemma and obtain the permits necessary in their respective locations?

Company Profiles, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast High Purity Boron

In today's podcast, we're going to look at the global high purity boron market, which will experience strong growth in the coming years. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for boron-based products in electronics, semiconductors, and the automotive sector.

ADVANCED ENERGY, Company Profiles, Efficient Power Sources

Company Profile of Lithium and Boron Technology

Lithium and Boron Technology, Inc., previously known as SmartHeat Inc, is a significant producer of boric acid and a manufacturer of lithium carbonate in the PRC. It has a revenue of around $7.57M. The company exclusively sources ore and brine from Dachaidan Lake and the surrounding areas.

INDUSTRY SECTORS, INVEST IN BORON, MINING

The Threat of a Boron Market Shortage

The world market for boron si facing a shortage due to rising demand. Boron is a strategic material globally, and demand is projected to grow significantly due to its use in multiple industries and applications, from advanced energy to decarbonization and food security.

MINING

Exciting Lithium by-product at ABR US Boron Facility

Giving impetus to its drive to be a substantial player in the advanced energy eco-system of the region and beyond, American Pacific Borates Limited (ASX:ABR) (ABR or the Company) is exploring partner options for a potential by-product lithium production from its Fort Cady Integrated Boron Facility in Southern California.

MINING

Boron Extraction risk and rewards

As a result of climate change, boron is becoming more and more sought after to cope with Decarbonization initiatives and Advanced Energy applications to reduce fuel and energy costs and reduce pollution levels. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, we can expect an even greater need for boron to develop renewable energy sources. Use of Boron is also promoted in government regulations such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Power Plan to meet stricter emission standards for power plants.

Company Profiles, MINING

Rio Tinto Mine Serbia Lithium Boron Licences Revoked

Rio Tinto Mine. The Serbian government has finally revoked Rio Tinto's licenses for lithium exploration in Serbia in the latter part of January 2022. The government gave in to the protesters who have been opposed to the Anglo-Australian mining company's project on environmental grounds. Last year, the company committed to the project as global miners push for metals necessary to transition to green energy. This includes lithium which is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries. The project was already suspended in December 2021 due to environmental deterioration and forced displacement concerns.

Chemistry, MINING

Boron Minerals

Boron minerals are found in the Earth's crust; its various forms come from different geological structures, such as pegmatite and metamorphic rocks. The most common boron minerals include Tincal, Tincalconite, Colemanite, Kernite, Ulexite, Pandermite, Boracite, Hydroboracite, Inderite, Ascharite, Datolite, Sassolite, Meyerhofferite, Inyoite, and Probertite.

MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron and U.S. Rare Earths

Podcast - Today, we're going to take a look at boron and US rare earths and the stockpiling policy. The US is boosting the stockpile of its rare earth materials, such as cobalt and lithium. But why is this? The answer is partly to reduce dependence on China and partly to have a strategic policy towards rare earth sourcing and distribution.

MINING, PODCASTS, SPECIAL REPORTS

Podcast – Billion Dollar Boron

Podcast - Billion dollar boron. In 2021, borates sales hit billions of dollars. Why? The demand for boron is increasing rapidly in strategic sectors such as aerospace and defense, zero-carbon, and advanced energy solutions, which depend on boron-based technologies to reduce emissions. Recent forecasts predict that boron demand will increase by 30% by the end of the decade.

MINING

Ulexite: The Wonder Mineral

Ulexite, a boron mineral found in the American southwest, is recognized for its intense, pearly white color. This stone first garnered attention in 1840 and is named after the German chemist George Ludwig Ulex, who first explained its chemical composition.

Company Profiles, MINING

FEAM Collaborates With Estes Energetics

FEAM and Estes Energetics have signed an LOI to develop cutting-edge boron-based components for solid rocket motors. FEAM has also achieved initial production milestones.

MINING, SPECIAL REPORTS

FEAM Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results

5E Advanced Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: FEAM), the owner of strategic critical mineral assets Boron and Lithium at Fort Cady in southern California, reported its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2022, which ended on March 31, 2022.

Company Profiles, MINING

Company Profile of Eti Maden

ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Boron and Nuclear Fusion

Boron and nuclear fusion: Is Boron the key to Unlocking Energy via Nuclear Fusion? For the past eighty years, scientists have been exploring ways to capture energy to provide an inexhaustible supply of quasi-free, green energy. Boron via laser technologies, may finally provide the key to moving beyond the laboratory to commercialisation.

MINING, PODCASTS, SPECIAL REPORTS

Podcast – Introduction to Boron Mining

Podcast - Introduction to Boron Mining. Boron was named after the mineral borax, thought to come from the Persian name burah for the mineral. There are over 200 minerals that contain boron, but only a few minerals such as colemanite and borax are commercially important.

MINING, RESEARCH

Ultimate Guide to Boron Markets

Learn more about well-researched forecasts for the various global boron markets.

Valjevo Project and Sustainable Boron, Lithium Mining

Company Profiles, MINING

Valjevo Project and Sustainable Boron, Lithium Mining

Sustainable Boron and Lithium mining: Borates and lithium are essential for decarbonisation, advanced energy, and food security. The extraction and production of these critical minerals need to respect sustainable principles to satisfy multiple stakeholders, local interest groups, and residents. A case in point is Valjevo in Serbia, where locals have successfully halted the Valjevo project until February 2022 until officials are satisfied sustainable practices will be put in place.

Country Profile of Russia

Chemistry, Company Profiles, MINING

Country Profile of Russia

Country Profile of Russia: Russia is the fourth-largest supplier of borates to global markets, which present about 12% of the global total, with boric acid as the main export. The current Russia, Ukraine conflict is not having a noticeable impact on supply and production in the short term for borates supply. Still, Putin is considering sanctions on a wide range of minerals and finished products for export.

Boron and Infrared Rays: Applications in Energy Efficiency

Clean Fuels, Efficient Power Sources, Electricity Generation, Energy Management, Energy Management Systems

Boron and Infrared Rays: Applications in Energy Efficiency

Textile Industry: The Impact of Boron

INDUSTRY SECTORS

Textile Industry: The Impact of Boron

Using boron in the textile industry unlocks a range of protective features, allowing to make fabrics that are not only flame-resistant but also defend against bacteria.

Boron Deficiency in Plants: Symptoms and Cures

Agriculture, Crop Management, Farming

Boron Deficiency in Plants: Symptoms and Cures

Boron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency that causes crop production and quality losses. But what are its symptoms and cures?

Boron Extraction risk and rewards

MINING

Boron Extraction risk and rewards

Boron Oil Extraction

MINING, SCIENCE

Boron Oil Extraction

Apart from being more environmentally friendly than competing metal cross-linkers used in oil and gas stimulation, borates’ unique properties and behavior make them an ideal option for multiple oilfield applications including retarder in concrete, lubricant, alkaline buffer to reduce water hardness, lost circulation treatments, and profile control, alkaline surfactant, hydrogen sulfide scavenger (an oxidizer of hydrogen sulfide gas), pulsed neutron well logging and hydraulic fracturing fluids.

5 Ways Boron Can Be An Extrication Agent

APPLICATIONS, BENEFITS, Electricity Generation, RESEARCH

5 Ways Boron Can Be An Extrication Agent

The use of boron steel in extrication is an important factor to consider because it has a tensile strength that’s close to titanium, which makes it perfect for emergencies where you need something durable and strong enough to cut through metal or other materials to extract people from dangerous scenarios.

How Boron is used to Help in Oil Recovery

Clean Fuels, DECARBONIZATION, Electricity Generation, Environmental Protection

How Boron is used to Help in Oil Recovery

Rio Tinto – Jadar Valley Lithium Project Suspended

MINING

Rio Tinto – Jadar Valley Lithium Project Suspended

Rio Tinto has found itself in the news again after its lithium project in Jadar, Serbia, was suspended after protests by the local community in Serbia. The backlash does not bode well for mining companies looking to open mines in response to a growing demand for minerals such as lithium that are fuelling advanced energy growth in multiple business sectors, including automotive, defence, aerospace.

Boron Mining: Sources and Major Producers

MINING

Boron Mining: Sources and Major Producers

Boron, a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust, is extracted from several locations globally, including Turkey, China, and the United States.

Boron at Fukushima

Nuclear Energy

Boron at Fukushima

Boron at Fukushima: In 2011 a severe nuclear meltdown occurred in Fukushima at the atomic reactor on the coast. Authorities resorted to spreading a boron compound on the site to halt the spread of radiation. How did boron help mitigate radiation and meltdown at the time? How does it also act as an inhibitor in the nuclear rods themselves?

ABR Increased Head-Grade

INVEST IN BORON, MINING

ABR Increased Head-Grade

American Pacific Borates New Mine Plan with Increased Head-Grade. ABR's CEO, Henri Tausch, comments that yet another milestone that will allow them to be US-listed. And, perhaps most importantly, the mining firm also has three additional benefits connected with the S-K1300 conversion process.

Boron – The Building Block of Urbanization

Agriculture, Crop Management, DECARBONIZATION, Environmental Protection, Farming, Food Access, Food Availability, Food Stability, Food Utilization, Forests and Parks, Human Health, RESEARCH

Boron – The Building Block of Urbanization

Boron-nickel’s Super Anti-corrosion Powers

AntI-corrosive, Ceramic and Enamels, Electricity Generation, Lubricants

Boron-nickel’s Super Anti-corrosion Powers

Boron the Next Big Energy Carrier

APPLICATIONS, BENEFITS, Electricity Generation, RESEARCH

Boron the Next Big Energy Carrier

Scientists are finding new ways to convert Boron into an energy carrier. The conversion process includes two steps: first heating up water with calcium oxide until it evaporates completely; then, after boiling off all the liquid, you get white crystalline material that hold energy.

Critical Mineral Boron in the Mojave Desert

MINING

Critical Mineral Boron in the Mojave Desert

Critical mineral boron is used in various applications, from agriculture to nuclear power. It's also one of the few minerals we don't have enough. As with other strategic minerals, obtaining a license for production is hard given the environmental impact on the land.

Introduction to Boron and Lithium

ADVANCED ENERGY, BENEFITS, Human Health, INVEST IN BORON, MINING

Introduction to Boron and Lithium

Many investors are aware that boron and lithium are two essential elements for use in Advanced Energy. What is the difference between the two minerals?

Sodalite with boron: The Crystal of Communication

MINING, SCIENCE

Sodalite with boron: The Crystal of Communication

Sodalite is a tectosilicate mineral found in many colors, but deep blue with white streaks is the most desirable.

Why You Should Invest In Boron

INVEST IN BORON

Why You Should Invest In Boron

In recent years, the demand for boron has grown by more than 6% due to several factors including population growth and increased industrialization in developing countries such as China.

ABR Boron Production 3x

INVEST IN BORON, MINING

ABR Boron Production 3x

According to a press release from ABR on November 16th, 2021, the company has announced 'ABR production triples' with a near tripling of production capability for the critical mineral boron at its Fort Cady operations in Southern California. Boron is becoming recognized as an essential mineral for use in multiple applications in decarbonization, advanced energy - batteries- and food security- as a micronutrient.

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING

European Critical Mineral Strategy for Boron

Rio Jadar Project – Insight Report (Borates and Boron)

MINING

Rio Jadar Project – Insight Report (Borates and Boron)

Rio Jadar Lithium Borate (Boron) is a new project in Serbia that specializes in producing lithium borate crystals.

Rio Tinto Mine Serbia Lithium Boron Licences Revoked

Company Profiles, MINING

Rio Tinto Mine Serbia Lithium Boron Licences Revoked

Boron, ESG and the Mining Industry

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Boron, ESG and the Mining Industry

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework is growing in significance for mining companies, including those involved in boron extraction. ESG is a set of practices that mines have to comply with to ensure their future sustainability. It will become an integral part of every mining operation worldwide shortly. ESG compliance is difficult for some mines because it requires them to alter their production methods or management style. However, it is not only possible but necessary.

Exciting Lithium by-product at ABR US Boron Facility

MINING

Exciting Lithium by-product at ABR US Boron Facility

Overview of Boron Phosphide

Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, SCIENCE

Overview of Boron Phosphide

Boron Phosphide is a chemical compound of boron and phosphorus. It is a semiconductor with high thermal and chemical stability, useful in high-power applications. Van der Waals heterostructures (vdW) are promising structures for future optoelectronic devices. Recent studies on vdW heterostructures investigated the electronic and optical properties of boron phosphide heterostructures in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) and tight-binding (TB) approximations.

Ulexite: The Wonder Mineral

MINING

Ulexite: The Wonder Mineral

Podcast – Boron in Drinking Water

APPLICATIONS, INDUSTRY SECTORS, PODCASTS

Podcast – Boron in Drinking Water

Podcast - Today, we’re going to look at the presence of boron in water and drinking water. Boron is traceable in seawater and tap water, and also in plentiful supply in the atmosphere. So what do we need to know about the positive and harmful effects of boron in our water?

Boron Helps Generate Cheap And Clean Electricity

APPLICATIONS, Batteries and Capacitors, BENEFITS, Clean Fuels, Electricity Generation

Boron Helps Generate Cheap And Clean Electricity

Boron and Nuclear Fusion

ADVANCED ENERGY, DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Boron and Nuclear Fusion

Lithium Miner Ioneer To Receive $700m from DOE

INDUSTRY SECTORS, MINING

Lithium Miner Ioneer To Receive $700m from DOE

Ioneer, a lithium mining company, has secured a remarkable $700 million investment from the U.S Department of Energy to develop their Rhyolite Ridge lithium/boron project.

Boron Mining Processes

MINING

Boron Mining Processes

Introduction to Boron Mining – Locations and Major Players

MINING

Introduction to Boron Mining – Locations and Major Players

FEAM Announces Breakthrough Technology on Boron Facility

MINING

FEAM Announces Breakthrough Technology on Boron Facility

FEAM - 5E advanced materials - has made a significant breakthrough and has begun construction on its Small Scale Boron Facility (SSBF) with a leading publicly traded contractor in the US.

Boron Supply Constraints USA Benefit ABR

INVEST IN BORON, MINING

Boron Supply Constraints USA Benefit ABR

Boron supply constraints in the North American market will benefit the Fort Cady Integrated Boron Facility in Southern California, fully-owned by the American Pacific Borates Limited (ASX:ABR), the company slated for a NASDAQ listing in Q1 CY 2022, said.

Boron Demand in Military Conflict

Defense

Boron Demand in Military Conflict

The tragic scenes unfolding on our screens daily of armed conflict are a powerful reminder of the need for protective materials to minimise injury and fatalities among the military personnel and civilians. Military hardware requires strong, light, malleable, durable and anti-corrosive materials. Boron is a key material used in bulletproof vests, bulletproof armour, in helicopter skins and on aircraft as well as an anti-corrosive in weaponry.

A Town Called Boron

MINING

A Town Called Boron

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

DECARBONIZATION, MINING

Rio Tinto Decarbonization

Rio Tinto announced a $7.5 billion plan to reduce carbon emissions to 50% by 2030 in October 2021. Rio Tinto stated that it aimed to reduce carbon emissions by half by 2020 as steel and iron ore producers push for compliance with international climate commitments. Rio pushed forward its 2020 target for a 15% reduction of emissions from 2018, five years earlier than it had previously planned.

Podcast – 5e Advanced Materials Announces Exciting Update

ADVANCED ENERGY, MINING, PODCASTS

Podcast – 5e Advanced Materials Announces Exciting Update

Today, we’re going to take a look at 5e Advanced Materials, the only permitted boron and lithium resource in the United States that recently updated the boron and lithium community with its strategic plan.