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Minerals & Chemical Intermediates
One of the world’s largest fluorspar producers
As a global leader in fluorine-based technologies, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (OF&EM) powers critical industries and supports the global energy transition by harnessing fluorine through sustainable innovation, research and development, and future technological advancements.
Through its fully integrated operations, from raw material extraction to chemical processing, OF&EM’s Minerals & Chemical Intermediates (M&CI) Business Unit serves key industries such as steel, aluminum, refrigerants and medical propellants. This vertical integration ensures reliability, quality, and sustainability across the entire value chain, reinforcing Orbia’s commitment to advancing essential technologies for a low-carbon future.
Fluorspar: where the journey begins
Fluorspar is nature´s most prominent source of fluorine. This mineral´s essential component is CaF2, the chemical compound in which fluorine atoms are found. Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials extracts fluorspar from one of the world’s largest mines, located in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. With an annual volume which represents about 12% of global production, this mine has one of the largest certified fluorspar reserves worldwide, ensuring a secure and sustainable supply for critical industries.
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials channels this critical resource into our base chemical operations in Matamoros, Mexico, and elsewhere.
With more than 50 years of expertise, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials is one of the leading global suppliers of Fluorspar (metallurgical and acid grades), Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), Aluminum Trifluoride (AlF₃).
World class mining
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials operations are recognized as world-class, producing a CaF₂ grade that exceeds many other fluorspar mines globally. This allows for seamless vertical integration in the production of HF and AlF₃, ensuring consistently high purity levels and a reliable supply.
We are committed to safety, continuous improvement, and the adoption of industry-leading practices supported by advanced technologies. As leaders in the mining industry and chemical industries, we apply a cross-functional, data-driven approach that ensures responsible resource management, sustainable extraction methods, and proactive long-term planning, all aligned with our vision of a resilient safety culture.
Product list
Minerals (fluorspar)
Metspar
A sorted mineral with ~<90%. Essential for high-quality steel and cement production, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
Acidspar
An enriched mineral with >97% CaF₂ content, ideal for chemical transformation. The foundation for fluorine-based value chains including refrigerants, batteries, and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical intermediates
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
The key starting point for producing fluorinated molecules. It plays a critical role in essential industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and petroleum processing.
Aluminum trifluoride (AlF₃)
A fluoride salt that is essential to produce primary aluminum.
Technology centers
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials operates Technology Centers across key regions to enable R&D excellence across its business units.
Within the Minerals & Chemical Intermediates Business Unit, centers such as the ones in San Luis Potosi (Mexico) and Thornton (UK) serve as key technology hubs, focused on fluorocarbon synthesis, inorganic materials (energy materials), mining operations and process innovation.