Boron

Boron is largely derived from extensive evaporite deposits. It is also present in brines associated with volcanic activity, which have been enriched by solar evaporation in closed natural basins. The world's boron reserves are enormous in relation to production and demand.

Boron and its compounds are used in a wide range of applications, including glass fibers for insulation, textile fibers, borosilicate glass, soaps and detergents, flame retardants, ceramic enamels and glazes, metallurgy, agriculture, medicine, nuclear power, aerospace...

Raw ore processing is essentially chemical, and the purified products are sodium tetraborate and boric acid.

Prices are influenced by competition between two major producing countries, the United States and Turkey.

There are only a small number of possible substitutes for boron and its compounds. Recycling is non-existent due to essentially dispersive uses and the moderate prices of borates and boric acid.