THE FLUORSPAR INDUSTRY IN THE SOVIET BLOC

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R01141A000100040002-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 34
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 13, 2013
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: May 20, 1952
• Content Type: REPORT

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-y V
SECRET 'COPY NO.
SECURITY INFORMATION ASSISTANT' DIRECTOR
FOR POLICY COORDINATION
ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
THE FLUORSPAR INDUSTRY IN THE
SOVIET BLOC
CIA/RR 4
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND REPORTS
SECRET
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WARNING
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the national defense of the United States
within the meaning of the espionage laws,
Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans-
mission or revelation of which in any manner
to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
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SECURITY INFORMATION
ECONOMIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
THE FLUORSPAR INDUSTRY IN THE SOVIET BLOC
C IA/RR 4
Office of Research and Reports
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CONTENTS
Page
Summary . . 1
I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . 2
1. General Description . . . . . . . . 2
2. Uses and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
a. Metallurgical Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
b. Ceramic Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
c. Acid Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
II. Production and Reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. East Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. USSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
a. Northern European USSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
b. Kazakh SSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
c. Central Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
d. East Siberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vf . North Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
III. Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ? . . . . 16
1. Steel and Aluminum Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2. Cryolite Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
IV. Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1. Exports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2. Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
V. Strategic Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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Page
Awendixes
Appendix B. Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Following Paize
Soviet Bloc: Fluorspar: Principal Producing and Consuming
Centers . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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CIA/RR 4 S-E-C R-E-T
(ORR Project 61-51)
SECURITY INFORMATION
THE FLUORSPAR INDUSTRY IN THE SOVIET BLOC
Summary
The nonmetallic mineral fluorspar is essential to the steel and
aluminum industries. The steel industry uses metallurgical-grade fluor-
spar directly as marketed. The use of acid-grade, required for the
aluminum industry, is more involved.
Acid-grade fluorspar is a raw material source of hydrofluoric acid
(HF), from which synthetic cryolite (for the aluminum industry) and other
fluorine products are derived. Recently, relatively new uses for HF, in
the preparation of chemical warfare materials and in the atomic energy
programs, have assumed great importance.
The total production of fluorspar in the Soviet Bloc is broadly esti-
mated at 200,000 metric tons annually as of 1951, which is approximately
one-quarter of the total world production. The principal fluorspar
producing centers are located in the USSR and East Germany. Chinese and
North Korean mines, important producers under the Japanese occupation,
? may have been reactivated to some extent by the Soviets, but North Korean
mines have probably been inoperative during the period of military action
in that country. Proved ore reserves of fluorspar in the Soviet Bloc are
estimated at nearly 5 million metric tons, with the major portion in the
USSR.
Consumption of fluorspar by the steel and aluminum industries of the
Soviet Bloc in 1951 is estimated at 110,500 metric tons of metallurgical-
grade and 23,600 metric tons of acid-grade. This leaves a balance of about
66,000 metric tons for distribution to other consuming industries. It is
assumed that part of the Soviet supply of acid-grade fluorspar is being
diverted to new military as well as to industrial uses, but these additional
needs are not estimated.
The fluorspar industry of the Soviet Bloc apparently is capable of
supplying the demands of the USSR, but the position of the Satellites may
be critical. The Satellites have depended mainly on Western countries for
their supply. If East-West trade restrictions are effective, the USSR will
? be required to relinquish some of its supply or increase the total Bloc
production. A similar situation exists with regard to the Satellite supply
of cryolite.
S R-C R-E-T
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Any limitations to the fluorspar industry within the Soviet Bloc
would probably be in fluorspar processing capacity for the production
of acid-grade and in the capabilities of HF plants for the manufacture
of fluorine products.
I. Introduction.
1. General Description.
Fluorspar, or fluorite, is a nonmetallic mineral distinguished by
its crystalline form, octahedral cleavage, and specific gravity. Its
specific gravity is 3.18, and its hardness in the Mohs scale is 4.
Fluorspar occurs as a vein mineral associated with galena, sphal-
erite, calcite, and barite; in tin-stone veins associated with cassiterite,
apatite, topaz, and lepidolite; and in limestones. The chemical composi-
tion is calcium fluoride, CaF2 (F equaling 48.9 percent). Fluorspar is,
notably, the only common fluoride occurring in nature. The impurities
usually found with it are calcite, dolomite, barite, or quartz.
Little change has taken place in methods of fluorspar mining during
the last decade except for more mechanization involving the use of mucking
machines, slushers, mechanical haulage, and other equipment. Progress in
prospecting techniques during the past 10 years has been largely in the
development of better core-drilling equipment and in the fuller study and
application of geology.
The regional distribution of fluorspar is world-wide. Fluorspar
deposits have been developed on every continent, more importantly in North
America, Europe, and Asia. The US has maintained the leading position in
fluorspar production. Other major producers of fluorspar are Canada,
Mexico, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the USSR. Cur-
rently the USSR may rank second to the US, although before World War II,
Germany held that position.
2. Uses and Specifications.
Fluorspar is used extensively" in metallurgy, in ceramics, and,
more recently, in chemistry, where important new uses of hydrofluoric
* A small quantity of optical-grade fluorspar is -used to correct the color
and spherical aberration errors in lenses of microscopes and small telescopes.
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acid (HF) have been developed. Fluorspar is marketed in three principal
grades of concentrates: metallurgical, ceramic, and acid (chemical).
In the preparation of fluorspar concentrates the methods of
separation are the standard ore-dressing techniques, which include hand-
sorting, gravity separation, and flotation. The milling of fluorspar for
the ceramic or acid trade is relatively more difficult and requires more
careful control than the processing of the metallurgical grade. No new
techniques have been developed during the past 10 years, but there have
been improvements in the old techniques such as the use of improved
flotation reagents and heated flotation circuits.
The metallurgical and ceramic grades are shipped direct to the
steel and ceramic industries, respectively. The acid grade is more
complex in its distribution and use. Prices are higher for the ceramic
and acid grades than for the metallurgical grade.
a. Metallurgical Grade.
Metallurgical-grade fluorspar is used essentially as a fluxing
agent in the manufacture of high-grade steel, ferroalloys, nickel, brass,
and basic refractories and to refine nonferrous metals. This grade should
contain not less than 85 percent fluorite and not more than 5 percent
silica and 0.03 percent sulphur. These specifications may be considerably
relaxed without damage to the steel produced. Physically, metallurgical-
grade gravel must pass through a 1-inch screen and must contain less than
15 percent fines. Lump metallurgical fluorspar, from 2 to 6 inches in
diameter, is used as a flux in foundries for making high-grade iron castings.
b. Ceramic Grade.
Ceramic-grade fluorspar is used in the manufacture of opalescent,
opaque, and colored glass; enamels; brick facings; and Portland cement. It
serves not only as a flux but also as a component of glass and enamel mixes.
It is also used as a bonding agent for the constituents of emery wheels;
in the manufacture of carbon electrodes; and in the preparation of electric-
arc welding electrodes, where the fluorspar serves as a flux. The ceramic
grade is chemically an intermediate one. A minimum of 95 percent fluorite
usually is required, and 2.5 percent silica is the standard maximum. It
must be colorless and therefore can contain not more than 0.12 percent
ferric oxide and only traces of other iron compounds or lead or zinc sul-
phide. These specifications may be considerably modified for some uses.
-3-
Si-E-aR-ET
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c. Acid Grade.
Acid-grade fluorspar is complex in its use because it in-
volves initially the preparation of hydrofluoric acid (HF), from which the
fluorine products are derived. Any study of acid-grade fluorspar, there-
fore, is necessarily a partial study of HF. IF is made by the reaction of
acid-grade fluorspar with.sulphuric acid in the ratio 1:1.3. The specifica-
tions for acid-grade fluorspar may be relaxed slightly, but this grade
should contain not less than 93 percent fluorite or more than 1 percent
silica. Barite, lead, zinc, lime, and iron also are unwanted impurities
because they interfere with the making of IT. The fluorspar must be finely
ground and must be absolutely dry.
Two grades of HF are produced. Hydrous, or technical, IIF is
prepared in aqueous solutions up to 60 percent HF maximum and is used in
the manufacture of inorganic fluorides. The two important fluorides are
synthetic cryolite (see III 2, below) and aluminum fluoride, which are
required in aluminum reduction. The supply of these materials to the
aluminum industry has been the principal function of the HF industry.
Anhydrous HF, at 99 percent HF minimum, is used in the manu-
facture of the element fluorine and organic fluorine compounds including
fluorcarbons and their polymers. Most of the organic compounds and
related processes have been developed during and after World War II. In
the US, capacity for the production of anhydrous HF has increased to more
than half the total HF capacity.
New developments in the use of anhydrous HF include the manu-
facture of freon used as a refrigerant, and also as a carrier in aerosol
bombs for dispersing insecticides, paints, and other materials; the alkyla-
tion process in which HF serves as a catalyst in the manufacture of high
octane gasoline; and the manufacture of fluorcarbons including the strate-
gic plastic "Teflon."
Recently, new military uses of HF in chemical warfare and in
atomic energy programs have assumed great importance. In atomic energy
programs, HF is used in the manufacture of uranium metal; in the manu-
facture of uranium hexafluoride, which is the only suitable gas compound
for use in isotope separation plants;.and in the manufacture of highly
stable fluorcarbons for heat exchange fluids and gasket material.
-L-C P -E-Z
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II. Production and Reserves,*
The fluorspar-producing countries of the Soviet Bloc are East Germany,
the USSR, China, and North Korea.** The Soviet Bloc lags behind the US
and other Western countries in production of fluorspar but under present
world conditions may have stepped up production to about 200,000 metric
tons. This would amount to one-quarter of the total world production,
which in 1951 should have reached a minimum of 800,000 metric tons.
Tables 1 and 2, which follow, give the estimated production figures
and the estimated ore reserves of fluorspar in the Soviet Bloc.
* Production figures refer to fluorspar in one of the three grades of
concentration. Reserve figures refer to ore containing fluorspar.
** For the principal fluorspar prQducing and consuming centers in the
Soviet Bloc, see the map following p. 22.
E-C-E-E-T
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Production of Fluorspar in the Soviet Bloc
Average Annual Rate, 1936-51
Thousand Metric Tons
1936-40
1941_45
1946-50
1951
East Germany
41.4 J/
63.5 a/
37.5 /
50.0
USSR c/
75.0 J
50.0 LI
100.0 /
150.0
China
10.0
61.9 1/
g/
LI
North Korea
10.0 J
20.0 J
3.3 W
?/
a. 1941-44. 8
b. 1948-50, exclusive of production by certain small
mines. 2/
c. Rough estimates derived mainly from Soviet plans for
processing facilities in relation to production figures
for 1929-36.
d. Based on an established figure of 65 in 1936 and an
assumed annual rate of increase of 5. During the first
4 years of the Second Five Year Plan (1933-36) the annual
increase in production varied from 8 to 22. In some
mining areas, however, the hand-sorted material was soon
exhausted, and, without adequate processing facilities,
this rate probably could not be maintained. Thus the
lower increase rate of 5 for the period 1936-40 is con-
sidered reasonable. Non-Soviet estimates for 1940 produc-
tion range from 70 to 90. The increase rate of 5 would
give a production figure of 85 for 1940.
e. Based on assumed decreased rate during the war period.
f. Based on assumed figures of 50 in 1946 and annual rate
of increase of 25. By the end of.the period 1946-50,
according to the Soviet press, prewar plans for installa-
tion of processing plants were effected. Thus total plant
capacity in 1950 would approximate 120, with an estimated
minimum 30 available by hand-sorting. If the figure of 50
in 1946 is accepted, then an annual increase rate of 25 up
to 1950 would be justified in order to achieve gradually
the possible production of 150 with plant facilities in
operation..
g. Possibly a few thousand tons.
h. Delivered to the North Korean government for the USSR in
1949. 10
i. Mines probably inoperative during 1951.
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Estimated Ore Reserves of Fluorspar in the Soviet Bloc
(Latest Available Date)
Thousand Metric Tons
Gountrv and Region
Deposit
Ore Reserves
(40 Percent CaF2 Average)
Date
East Germany
Saxony-Anhalt
Fluss-Schacht
176
1941
(South Harz Areas)
(near Rottleberode)
Herzog-Schacht
340 ,
1941
/
Other Regions
Total
(near Siptenfelde)
000 /
1945
12/
USSR
Northern European
Amderma
1,320
USSR
Kazakh SSR
Aurakhmat
252
Central Asia
Takob
415
East Siberia
Kalanguy
307
Abagatuy
50
Soloneshnyy
309
Other
29
Other Siberian
9
and Far East
Total
2,691 J
1938
China
Liaoning
Kai-p'ing
600
1947
1
Jehol
K'o-la-ch'in Wang-fu
50
1947
/
Lung-hua
100
1947
=/
Chekiang
All Deposits
400
1946
/
Total
1,150
North Korea
100
1948
12/
Grand Total
a. Insufficient data.
b. Based on an estimate of Germany's total reserves and taking into considera-
tion East Germany's production capacity. aQ/
c. Two million tons of this reserve require concentration.
d. Based on a figure of 50,000 tons for one mine in a group of five,
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1. East Germany.
East Germany, with its established mines and flotation plants and
an estimated annual output of 50,000 metric tons, is the only important
source of fluorspar among the European Satellites. The fluorspar deposits
of East Germany, occurring in veins commonly associated with barite, are
found in Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Saxony. The oldest and most
important producing field is in the Harz mountains, with the two largest
single mines of Saxony-Anhalt being the Fluss-Schacht mine near Rottleberode
and the Herzog-Schacht mine near Siptenfelde. The area of fluorspar
deposits lies mainly between these two centers but also extends northeast
and northwest of Rottleberode.
In Thuringia and Saxony, smaller mines were developed during World
War II, some of which are now probably exhausted. Current appraisal of
fluorspar resources at these mines varies, but the planned production for
1949 is considered to be a reliable basis for evaluation. This plan
verifies the current significance of the Gottesgabe mine at Steinbach in
Thuringia and of mine groups near Ilmenau in Thuringia and near Oelsnitz
in Saxony. The Ilmenau producing area extends in a southeast direction
from Ilmenau through Langewiesen to Gehren. In Saxony the producing area
extends from Oelsnitz southwest to Wiedersberg.
According to the 1949 Plan, more than half of the East German fluor-
spar production is of acid grade, which is allotted to reparations for the
USSR. Flotation plants near Rottleberode, Siptenfelde, and Steinbach supply
this grade, most of which is shipped to the fluorine works at Dohna in
Saxony. Other East German plants supply metallurgical-grade fluorspar for
East German requirements and for export. Details of the 1949 Plan are
given in Table 3.*
Table 3 follows on p. 9.
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Table 3
Fluorspar Processing Plants in East Germany 21
1949
Planned Production
Region
Plant Location
(Metric
Tons
(Percent
CaF2)
Allocation
of Products
Saxony-Anhalt
Siptenfelde
9,000
96 to 97
To reparations
Rottleberode
8,000
96 to 97
To-reparations
5,000
80
a/
Thuringia
Steinbach
5,600
96 to 97
To reparations
Ilmenau
680
96 to 97
2,060
93 to 95
a/
5,860
70 to 90
a/
Saxony
Oelsnitz
2,800
70 to 80
1,060
V
a. For East German requirements and export.
b. Includes plants at Langewiesen and Gehren.
c. Includes plants at Wiedersberg.
d. Insufficient data.
Production of fluorspar in the USSR in 1951, based primarily on
Soviet data and allowing for increased demand, is estimated at 150,000
metric tons. The Soviet fluorspar industry established in 1922 maintained
an annual output of a few thousand tons, with a net increase rate during
1929-34 of 4,300 tons. 'Total production increased from 27,000 tons in
1934 to 65,000 tons in 1936. The increase rate for 1936-40 is estimated
at 5,000 tons annually, with an estimated annual output of 85,000 tons
by 1940. With the decline of the Soviet steel industry during wartime,
fluorspar production was probably curtailed to an annual average rate of
50,000 metric tons. Published figures for fluorspar for the Fourth Five Year
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Plan (1946-50) are not available. During this period, on the basis of
additional processing plants, the increase rate is estimated at 25,000
metric tons annually, which would give a figure of 150,000 metric tons
for 1950.
Planned expansion of plant facilities for production of acid-grade
fluorspar has probably been completed during the postwar and Fourth Five
Year Plan periods, but the fact that the USSR is forcing East Germany to
increase its acid-grade production leaves some doubt as to whether the
installations within the USSR are adequate.
The important producing and reserve areas of fluorspar in the USSR
are found in four remote economic regions: Northern European USSR, Kazakh
SSR, Central Asia, and East Siberia. None of these areas is readily
accessible by rail to the big industrial centers. East Siberia has been
the main source of fluorspar pending installation of processing plants in
the other areas. Some of the production from East Siberia and Northern
European USSR is hand-sorted material, but in Kazakh SSR and Central Asia
the ore must be concentrated. If processing plants are now operating as
planned, East Siberia should be producing at the rate of 60,000 metric tons
a year, and the other three regions at 30,000 tons each.
Small fluorspar deposits occurring in the Ukraine, Urals, West
Siberia, and the Far East may be more fully exploited for local industry.
The largest known fluorspar reserve outside the main producing areas is
found on the Chukotski peninsula in the Far East. This reserve had not
been explored in 1939, and, with Soviet emphasis on the established fluor-
spar areas, it is unlikely that this extremely remote area would be included
in Soviet planning for the near future.
From a geological point of view, the fluorspar deposits of the USSR
may be divided into two groups. The deposits of Eastern Siberia and the
Far East are associated with granitic intrusions into sandstones and clayey
shales of the Jurassic period. The ores of this group are uncontaminated
with sulphides but often contain high silica. The deposits of Northern
European USSR, Kazakh SSR, and Central Asia apparently derive their origin
from granitic intrusions of the Paleozoic era. The ores of this group have
been subjected to hydrothermal redeposition in fractures and faults and
occur either in lenses or are disseminated through breccia. Barite and
sphalerite are common accessory minerals. Consequently, great variations
in the purity of fluorspar found in the second group of deposits are present.
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a. Northern European USSR.
The Amderma deposit of Northern European USSR is the largest
known reserve of fluorspar in the USSR. When railroad connections are
completed, this field will be more accessible to consuming centers.
Present shipping is by sea routes to Archangel or Murmansk. Prewar plans
for fluorspar production were based upon establishing Amderma as one of
the principal sources of acid-grade fluorspar in the USSR. These mines
came into production in 1934 with 3,600 metric tons and increased to 8,759
tons in 1935. Production for 1951 is roughly estimated at 30,000 metric
tons of fluorspar concentrates.
The Amderma fluorspar occurs with sulphides in which fluorite
is dominant and as breccia and fluoritized limestones. Some of the sulphide
ore is of very high grade as reported by prewar German sources, but accord-
ing to a Soviet source 22 the fluoritized limestone type of ore is the
principal raw material at Amderma, and this ore is analyzed at 40 percent
CaF2 or less.
According to prewar plans the output of the Amderma deposit was
to be of acid grade, and a concentration plant was to be built to supplement
the hand-sorting process. Planned concentrating capacity in 1937 was 5,000
to 7,000 metric tons requiring 14,000 to 18,000 tons of ore. / In 1940,
planned concentrating capacity was reported as requiring 36,000 to 37,000
metric tons of ore. W
During the period of the Fourth Five Year Plan the Amderma mines
were variously reported as "being equipped with all modern technical
improve- ments." with a "concentrating plant," with "stepping up production ahead of
schedule," and with "overfulfillment of production quotas."*
b. Kazakh SSR.
The fluorspar deposits of Kazakh SSR are characterized by low-
grade complex ores, all of which now require mechanical processing. The
two known deposits are the Aurakhmat and the Badam.
The Aurakhmat mine, 90 kilometers northeast of Tashkent, was
opened in 1933. Production of fluorspar by hand-sorting at Aurakhmat
averaged 3,000 metric tons a year from 1933-35. High-grade ore was soon
exhausted, and a new concentrating plant was required. Prewar planned
capacity was up to 30,000 metric tons of concentrates. The average grade
of the ore in 1939 was 38 percent CaF2. This mine at the present time should
produce at the rate of 30,000 metric tons of fluorspar concentrates annually.
# These quotations are taken from both Soviet and non-Soviet publications.
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The Badam deposit, approximately 50 kilometers north-northeast
of Tashkent, is a potential source of fluorspar. The ore is complex, con-
taining barite, fluorspar, and copper. It is possible, however, that the
Badam deposit has not yet been fully investigated.
c. Central Asia.
This region, with an important reserve of fluorspar ore, has
only recently been developed. The production of fluorspar for 1951 is
estimated at 30,000 metric tons. The mines are found in Tadzhik and in
Uzbek within an area extending south and east of Tashkent and in Kirgiz.
The fluorspar deposits are similar to those of Kazakh SSR.
In Tadzhik, two fluorspar deposits are known, the widely
publicized Takob deposit and the lesser-known Kulikalon deposit.
The Takob mine is 48 kilometers north of Stalinabad. Exploita-
tion of this deposit was delayed for years pending construction of the con-
centrating plant. Planned concentrating capacity is 30,000 tons of fluor-
spar, 97 percent CaF2. 25.1 Completion of the fluorspar installations at
Takob was to have been achieved during the period of the Fourth Five Year
Plan, the Soviet press claiming that production began in 1948.
The complex Takob ore contains fluorspar in association with
lead, zinc, and silver. The CaF2 content of the ore varies but carries an
average of 50 percent CaF2, 26 which, together with its large reserve,
"ranking second only to Amderma," and the possible recovery of nonferrous
metals,marks this mine as one of the most important fluorspar mines in the
USSR. Undoubtedly, more will be heard of Takob in the immediate future.
The Kulikalon deposit, discovered in 1933, and located at some
distance northwest of Takob, may be an important potential source of optical
fluorspar. Apparently some production of fluorspar at this deposit was
initiated during the late 1930's by hand methods. In 1948 the local press
reported that the mine was reexamined in 1943 and that "because of the purity
and size of the crystals, this deposit is a unique thing in the world."
This statement is verified by prewar German sources. Apparently this deposit
has not yet been explored thoroughly.
. In Uzbek, two small fluorspar deposits are known: the
Chibargatinskoy and Agatinskoy vein deposits, lying about 50 kilometers
east and southeast of Tashkent. The Chibargatinskoy mine was opened during
the war and operated by hand methods whereas the Agatinskoy ore requires
concentration. ZZ/
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In Kirgiz the Khaidarkhan mine, 80 kilometers southeast of
Fergana, is a potential source of fluorspar. The basic ore of this
deposit is mercury and antimony containing an average of 19 percent CaF2.
This deposit was the principal wartime source of mercury, and the prewar
Soviet plan was to include by-production of fluorspar. This operation,
however, has not been verified.
d. Fast Siberia.
The fluorspar mines of East Siberia are found in east Trans-
baikal, the first known fluorspar region of the USSR. Mines, first
operated here in the early 1930'x, have since maintained a major position
in supplying Soviet industry. Production for 1951, based on the operation
of one concentrating plant and hand operations, is estimated at 60,000
metric tons.
The fluorspar deposits extend over a large area which lies
between Chita and the Chinese border. The fluorspar occurs in quartz
veins and is uncontaminated with sulphides. The quantity of high-grade
ore is limited, but a substantial portion of the ore can be hand-sorted.
The important mines producing fluorspar are Kalanguy and
Abagatuy, and the Soloneshnyy mine is considered a strong potential.
The Kalanguy mine is the principal producing mine of Transbaikal
and during the prewar period was the largest single producer of the USSR,
supplying 50 percent of the total fluorspar output. This mine may still
hold first position. Kalanguy is situated 57 kilometers northeast of the
Karymskoe-0tpor railroad and is connected by highway. Smaller mines such
as the Taminga mine are in the immediate vicinity. Prewar mining capacity
at Kalanguy was rated at 80,000 metric tons annually of ore. The ore
containing more than 60 percent CaF2 can be treated by hand methods, but
the lower-grade ore requires mechanical processing. The 1936 Plan called
for completion of a processing plant at Kalanguy, with a planned capacity
of 30,000 metric tons of concentrates. Recent Soviet press reports point
to "overfulfillment of production plans" at this mine. The estimated
annual production rate is 50,000 metric tons.
The Abagatuy mine is the oldest fluorspar mine in the USSR.
It is situated near the Chinese border 37 kilometers from the Karymskoe-
Otpor railroad. Abagatuy is noted for its high-grade ore, having been
the only Soviet source of acid-grade fluorspar until the Amderma mine was
opened. The first recorded production was 8,000 metric tons in 1930.
The planned production for 1936 was 12,000 metric tons. During 1948-49
the Soviet press claimed that the Abagatuy mine was ahead of its monthly
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production schedules. It is reasonable to assume an annual production rate
of 10,000 metric tons of fluorspar concentrates by hand-sorting. The
proved fluorspar reserve at the Abagatuy mine is substantial but not com-
parable with the Kalanguy reserve.
The Soloneshnyy mine was opened in 1933, with small production
reported, but because of its remote location, it has probably been neglected.
This mine has an ore reserve comparable to the Kalanguy deposit, and when
transport facilities can be provided, the Soloneshnyy mine is certain to be
exploited more fully.
3. China
The fluorspar industry of China was for the most part developed
in order to supply Japanese industry during the Japanese occupation. After
World War II the Japanese and later the Soviets engaged in widespread dis-
mantling of equipment, but some reactivation of fluorspar mines as well as
planning for the future is indicated by an occasional report and by recent
offers of Chinese fluorspar on the market. During the period 1936-40 the
fluorsparrproduction of China averaged 10,000 metric tons a year, increas-
ing to an average of 61,900 tons during 1941-45, with possibly a few
thousand tons produced during recent years. Chinese fluorspar was mainly
hand-sorted and shipped to Japan for processing. At least one concentrating
plant, however, was operated in China by the Japanese. The Chinese fluor-
spar industry is only in its beginning stages, and the full potential of its
fluorspar resources is as yet unknown. However, more than a million tons
of ore reserves are reliably reported, with the possibility of a greater
reserve to be developed.
Fluorspar is widely distributed in China, but the more important
producing areas during the Japanese occupation were Liaoning, Jehol,.and
Chekiang provinces.
In Liaoning province the outstanding fluorspar mine is the
Kai-p'ing mine, southeast of Kai-piing station, where in 1944 a flotation
plant was installed. During 1940-44 the total production at this mine was
15,719 metric tons of fluorspar concentrates, of which 8,740 tons were
94 percent CaF2. Kai-piing has a reserve of 600,000 metric tons of ore
containing an average of 40 percent CaF2. The deposit occurs as a vein,
in granite gneiss, 1,500 meters long with an average width of 3 meters. 28
The Soviets removed all the equipment at Kai-ping, but it is
possible, inasmuch as some used equipment is being supplied in this province
in exchange for agricultural products, that this mine has been reopened in
order to supply the local steel industry.
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In Jehol province, during the period 1940-44, two areas were
brought into production: the K'o-la-chin-wang-fu mine, 85 kilometers
southwest of Chihfeng, and the Lung-hua mines, directly northwest of the
town of Jehol. Production of fluorspar at K'o-la-chin-wang-fu during
this period totalled 11,911 metric tons of concentrates containing 85
percent CaF2. Reserves are reported as 50,000 tons with an?average grade
of 70 percent CaF2. This deposit is a discontinuous vein in granite,
2,000 meters long and 1 meter wide. The Lung-hua mines during the period
1941-44 produced a total of 20,426 metric tons of fluorspar concentrates,
principally 85 percent CaF2. Fluorspar reserves at Lung-hua are given
as 100,000 metric tons. Apparently, the Jehol product was all hand-sorted.
In Chekiang province, fluorspar deposits were initially developed
during World War I and more extensively by the Japanese during the occupa-
tion. At least 16 deposits have been worked in the north, central, and
coastal regions of this province. The fluorite forms irregular.veins in
rhyolite ranging in width from a few centimeters to more than 6 meters.
A thickness of 2 or 3 meters is common, and the length is generally 100
meters. Some of the veins consist entirely of fluorite masses, whereas
others are composed of frameworks of silica filled by fluorite crystals.
The fluorite is generally suitable for the metallurgical-grade uses of
fluorspar. Fluorspar reserves in Chekiang province amount to 400,000
metric tons. Fluorspar production during 1932-34 totalled 13,000 tons.
The best material shipped appears to have averaged 90 to 95 percent CaF2,
and the lower grade material over 80 percent. 3-01
Four producing centers are indicated in Chekiang province:
Wu-hsing and Lin-an in the north, Hsiang-shan near the coast, and Chin-
hua in the central part of the province. Chin-hua on the Chekiang-
Kiangse railroad line appears to be the major center. The mining area
extends northeast, east, and southeast of the town of Chin-hua and includes
the important Wu-i mines lying east of Chin-hua.
Chinese press comment indicates plans for increased activity at
Hsiang-shan and Chin-hua. In 1948 it was stated that "Plans are being
made to extend the Hang-chou--Ning-po light railroad from Ning-po to
Hsiang-shan, in order to develop these mines." / In 1949 the Chinese
planned to rebuild the light railroad from Wit i mines to Chin-hua, which
the Japanese had built in 1942 and torn down in 1945.
4. North Korea.
In North Korea, fluorspar deposits are scattered across the
peninsula, occurring in sedimentary rocks and at the contact zone of
sedimentary and igneous rocks. The five principal mines are the Hasong
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and Ch'ongsok mines in Hwanghae-do (southwest province), the Chojon mine
in P'yongan-namdo (west central province), the Changdong mine in Hamgyong-
namdo (east coastal province), and the Mundung mine in Kangwon-do (south-
east province).
These mines, first opened in 1930 by the Japanese, reached a total
average annual production of 20,000 metric tons during 1941-45. Based on
reports for all Korea, the Korean fluorspar produced averaged from 50 to
60 percent CaF2, and about one-third of total production during the period
was at least 93 percent CaF2. In 1949, 3,300 metric tons were delivered
to the USSR, but during the recent period of military action these mines
have probably been inoperative. Many of the small mines were apparently
exhausted during the Japanese occupation.
The total ore reserve figure is not available, but on the basis of
an estimate of 47,000 metric tons for the 1undung mine, 100,000 metric tons
of total reserve would be reasonable. North Korea,. however, is not generally
considered to have any substantial reserve of fluorspar.
III. Consumption.
Consuming industries of the Soviet Bloc require much less total tonnage
of fluorspar than the US because of the comparatively smaller production of
steel and aluminum. Ceramic industries are important in certain Bloc coun-
tries. None of the.new consuming industries has thus far used by US stand-
ards any great quantity of fluorspar singly, but total new consumption has
increased the demand for acid-grade. A similar increased demand in the
USSR is indicated by the reparations quotas of acid-grade fluorspar from
East Germany.
It should be noted that above and beyond the metallurgical and ceramic
industries, the primary consumer of fluorspar is necessarily the hydrofluoric
acid industry.
1. Steel and Aluminum Industries.
The steel industries take metallurgical-grade fluorspar direct from
mines or initial processing plants. The aluminum industries, on the other
hand, use fluorspar in the form of synthetic cryolite derived from acid-
grade fluorspar (see I 2c, above). The consumption of fluorspar by the steel
and aluminum industries of the Soviet Bloc in 1950-51, calculated on the
basis of ORR estimates of Bloc production and US consumption figures, is
denoted in Table 4.*
* Table 4 follows on p. 17.
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Table 4
Estimated Consumption of Fluorspar by Steel and Aluminum Industries
in the Soviet Bloc
1950-51
Thousand Metric Tons
Steel I/
Indust=
Aluminum /
Industry
Steel /
Industry
Aluminum
pdustrv
USSR
77.2
17.0
86.6
20.0
Czechoslovakia
7.9
8.2
East Germany
2.7
0.1
3.7
1.8
Hungary
2.3
1.3
2.4
1.8
Poland
6.8
7.0
Rumania
0.8
0.8
Total European
Satellites
20
1. -!
22.1
L6
China
1.8
Grand Total
92
18.L
0.5
1
21_6
,
a. Based on steel and aluminum production estimates by ORR.
b. Calculated on the basis of 3,039.1 metric tons of fluorspar per
1 million metric tons of steel, derived from the US average of 6
pounds per short ton (equivalent to 6.7 pounds per metric ton).
c.. Calculated on the basis of 0.1 metric ton of fluorspar (the
fluorspar content in cryolite and aluminum fluoride) per metric ton
of aluminum metal, derived from US and USSR data.
Table 5, which follows, gives the main consuming centers in the
Soviet Bloc of fluorspar in the steel and aluminum industries.
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Table 5
Principal Fluorspar Consuming Centers of the Soviet Bloc
Country and Region
Steel
East Germany
Riesa, Unterwellenborn,
Bitterfeld, Lauta,
Hennigsdorf
Dohna g/
Czechoslovakia
Chomutov, Moravska-Ostrava
Poland
Czestochowa, Katowice
Sosnowiec
Hungary
Salgotarjan, Diosgyor,
Felsogalla, Ajka
Budapest
Rumania
Recita, Hunedoara, Bucharest
USSR
Northwest
Leningrad
Kandalaksha, Volkhov
Ukraine
Krivoy Rog, Dneprodzerzhinsk,
Zaporozh'ye
Dnepropetrovsk, Makeyevka,
Voroshilovsk, Voroshilovgrad,
Stalino Zaporozh'ye
Lower Don-North. Caucasus
Taganrog, Rostov
Transcaucasus
Rustavi
Yerevan
Volga
Stalingrad
Central European
Moscow
Urals
Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk,
Kamensk-Ural'skiy
Sverdlovsk, Nizhniy-Tagil,
Krasnotur'insk
Serov, Orsk, Chusovoy,
(Bogoslov),
Ziatoust, Alapayevsk, Asha,
Polevskoy g/
Beloretsk, Kushva
West Siberia Stalinsk, Kemerovo Stalinsk
Kazakh SSR Karaganda
Central Asia Begovat
East Siberia Petrovsk-Zabaykal'skiy
Far East Komsomol'sk-na-Amure
China (Liaoning Province) Anshan / Fu-shun
North Korea Kyomip'o, Ch'ongjin ]2/ Hungnam ]2/
a. This is not an aluminum center, but the cryolite produced here is consumed
by the aluminum industry.
b. During the Japanese occupation.
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2. Crvolite Plants.
In reference to the terms natural Crvolite and synthetic c of te,
it is necessary to keep them in separate categories. Greenland is the only
country,in the world producing natural cryolite, which is marketed either
direct or through Denmark, and as the US is the only other country import-
ing direct from Greenland, the marketing of natural cryolite can be traced
through Denmark's trade data. All other production of cryolite, East or
West, is synthetic cryolite. The evaluation of cryolite plants operating
in the USSR is derived mainly from prisoner-of-war reports.
Prewar synthetic cryolite installations in the present European
Satellites, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, as well as in the
USSR, suffered either by dismantling of plants or by actual war damage.
Postwar activity was directed mainly to the reconstruction and some new
construction of synthetic cryolite plants. It is not certain that Czecho-
slovakia's or Poland's prewar plants are currently producing cryolite, but
one plant in East Germany is definitely producing this material. Three
important cryolite plants are operating in the USSR, with the possibility
of smaller plants being under construction at various aluminum centers.
The Japanese did not establish a synthetic cryolite industry in Far East
Satellite areas during the war period.
In East Germany the fluorine works at Dohna is currently produc-
ing synthetic cryolite and other fluorides, with plans for eventual produc-
tion of organic fluorine compounds. Plant capacity is from 48 to 60 tons
of cryolite a day and from 48 to 60 tons of fluorine salts (fluorides) a
day, which on an annual basis would amount to from 14,000 to 18,000 metric
tons for each category.
The Usti plant in Czechoslovakia produced synthetic cryolite before
the war, but all recent data point to the production of other fluorides but
not of cryolite.
In the USSR, synthetic cryolite plants are operated in the economic
regions of Northwest USSR, Ukraine, and Urals at or near the aluminum centers.
The Volkhov (Kirov) aluminum plant in Northwest USSR was rebuilt after the
war., with a new installation for the manufacture of synthetic cryolite.
Plant capacity should be adequate to supply the aluminum industry in this
region. In the Ukraine the cryolite plant operated at Zaporozh'ye before
the war was to be reconstructed by 1952. Prewar capacity at Zaporozh'ye
was 7,500 metric tons annually. In the Urals the Polevskoy cryolite plant,
also reconstructed after the war, supplies Urals industry and possibly other
regions of the USSR. Plant capacity at Polevskoy should amount to at least
10,000 metric tons annually. In the Transcaucasus a cryolite plant may have
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recently been constructed to supply new local industry, but this has not
been verified. No other cryolite installations at aluminum plants have
been verified.
IV. Trade.
The trade position of Bloc fluorspar is reflected in the export trade
of East Germany and China and in the import trade of Czechoslovakia,
Hungary, Poland, and Rumania. The USSR, except for an occasional offer,*
apparently has not entered the world market on its own account and has
not offered any of its production to its European Satellite consumers.
The USSR at the same time demands East Germany's acid-grade product.
East Germany has exported some metallurgical-grade fluorspar to the
other European Satellites, which also depend on West Germany, the Benelux
countries, France, and Italy for fluorspar and fluorides and on Denmark
for natural cryolite. Trade with the West was to be definitely cut off
at the end of 1951, leaving the Satellites entirely dependent on the Bloc
supply of fluorspar. If the European Satellites are to be entirely
supplied from ,fast Germany, the USSR must decrease its reparations quotas
of acid-grade fluorspar.
Trade items related to the fluorspar industry are the raw materials --
fluorspar, fluorite, fluorite dust, and natural cryolite --and the
manufactured materials -- synthetic cryolite, hydrofluoric acid, aluminum
fluoride, sodium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, fluorine salts (fluorides),
metallic fluorides, and fluorine compounds.**
1. Exports.
The exporting countries of the Soviet Bloc are mainly East Germany
and China. Czechoslovakia exports a small quantity of hydrofluoric acid
and fluorides to Hungary and Poland. Both China and North Korea exported
fluorspar to Japan during World War II.
East Germany's acid-grade material and manufactures have been
delivered mainly to the USSR as reparations. The reparations quota for
1948 was itemized as 16,000 metric tons of fluorspar powder, as well as
synthetic cryolite and fluorides at the rate of 375 tons each per quarter. 32/
The quota for 1951 is stated in terms of 4,300 metric tons of "fluorine
compounds," with 100 tons of this amount allotted to Poland and 10 tons
to Czechoslovakia / and the stipulation added "that fluorine compounds
are not to be offered for sale to West Germany." 12/
* In June 1951 a boat-load of synthetic cryolite of Soviet manufacture
was offered to a US broker operating in Mexico City. ,
** The term fluorine compounds may refer either to the inorganic fluorides
or to organic compounds.
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After the reparations quota is met, the exportable surplus of acid-
grade material is shipped to the Satellites or is offered on the Western
market. Complete trade data are not available. During 1950, East German
cryolite appeared in export trade to Hungary and Czechoslovakia. In
April 1951, 280 metric tons of East German cryolite were shipped to
China. In May 1951, three Hungarian freight cars were loaded with
cryolite for shipment to Hungary, /Ll
and later shipments during 1951
averaged about 100 metric tons a month. In May 1951, 200 metric tons of
fluorides were shipped to Switzerland, and the same amount of fluorides
was shipped to Austria. US companies report that Norwegian companies
offered 3,000 metric tons of acid-grade fluorspar in 1950 and 6,000 metric
tons in 1951. This fluorspar was of East German origin. Also in 1950 an
East German company offered 100 tons of synthetic cryolite of East German
origin.
East Germany's metallurgical-grade fluorspar is not required for
reparations. The exportable surplus of this material has been shipped
to European Satellites in amounts varying from a few hundred tons to
Rumania to 6,000 metric tons to Poland. Planned export to Poland in 1951
was 9,000 metric tons. In reference to fluorspar, Poland has been favored
in trade agreements over Czechoslovakia.
Chinese fluorspar was offered to Japan in 1950,12 and in 1951,
exports of fluorspar were. reclassified by the Soviets as "specially per-
mitted exports of Barter Export Schedule B." Q/ China, during the period
1941-44, exported an average of 26,300 metric tons of fluorspar annually
to Japan and an average of 18,950 tons to North Korea-. This material was
graded at approximately 93 percent CaF2.
2. Imports.
The only known import of fluorspar by the USSR is that of East
Germany's acid-grade mentioned previously. China has recently appeared in
the. import trade picture with spot shipments of cryolite. Czechoslovakia
imports fluorspar for its steel and ceramic industries and for the manu-
facture of hydrofluoric acid and fluorides. Czechoslovakia has imported
about 3,000 metric tons annually of metallurgical-grade fluorspar from
East Germany. Additional requirements were probably met by imports from
Western European countries. In 1948 the USSR promised to arrange for the
delivery to Czechoslovakia of 2,000 metric tons of fluorspar, which
apparently was to be supplied from West Germany and Italy. AA/ Czecho-
slovakia, by agreement with Denmark (1949-50), was to have imported 200
metric tons of sodium fluoride and in 1951 was allotted 10 tons of "fluorine
compounds" from East Germany. In August 1951, Czechoslovakia imported 40
metric tons of synthetic cryolite from East Germany, but regular import
from this source has not yet been established. Czechoslovakia has imported
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natural cryolite from Denmark at an annual average rate of more than 400
metric tons.
Poland's situation is similar to that of Czechoslovakia in that it
imports fluorspar for the steel industry and, to a lesser extent, for the
ceramics industry. Under present trade conditions, Poland is more likely
to benefit from Soviet distribution of fluorspar than the other Satellites.
Hungary imports metallurgical-grade fluorspar for its steel
industry and cryolite for its aluminum industry. Under the trade agree-
ment with West Germany for 1948-49, Hungary was to import 1,000 metric tons
of fluorspar, probably of metallurgical grade. Imports of natural cryolite
from Denmark amounted to 1,055 metric tons in 1948 and 2,399 tons in 1949.
Danish shipments probably continued through 1951. In 1950, some imports
of synthetic cryolite from East Germany also appeared in trade data. In
May 1951, Hungary received three carloads of cryolite from East Germany,
and later shipments during 1951 averaged about 100 metric tons a month.
Rumania imports a few hundred tons of metallurgical-grade fluorspar
annually for its steel industry. The import allotment from East Germany
in 1949 was 500 metric tons.
China, in 1949, imported 528 metric tons of natural cryolite from
Denmark, and in April 1951 imported 280 tons of synthetic cryolite from
East Germany.
V. Strategic Position.
The Soviet Bloc supply of fluorspar is adequate for present Soviet
requirements, but it is not certain whether Satellite needs can be met
from Bloc sources. It is believed that the USSR has developed an increased
demand for acid-grade fluorspar used in preparation of hydrofluoric acid,
which is the key material to military as well as to new industrial uses of
fluorspar. Any limitations to the industry, therefore, would probably be
in fluorspar processing capacity and in the capabilities of hydrofluoric
acid plants.
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METHODOLOGY
In appraising the country situations of the Soviet Bloc it was
necessary to give the widest margin of estimates to the USSR. Soviet
data, except for occasional press items, have not been published since
the prewar period, whereas aster data have been reported for the
Satellite countries. In particular, estimates of fluorspar production
in the USSR for later periods are controversial. The following meth-
odology was employed for estimating production rates for fluorspar in
the USSR.
Beginning with an established figure of 65,000 metric tons in 1936,
the annual rate of increase for the period 1936-40 is assumed to be
5,000 tons. Al ,hough the rate of increase for 1933-36 was higher,
varying from 8,000 to 22,000 tons, this rate probably could not be
maintained. In some mining areas the hand-sorted material was soon
exhausted, and adequate processing facilities were not yet in operation.
Therefore, the increase rate of 5,000 tons is considered more reasonable
for this period. An additional check was made with non-Soviet estimates
for 1940 production, which range from 70,000 to 90,000 tons. Note that
by using the 5,000-ton figure, the production in 1940 would amount to
85,000 metric'tons
The average annual rate of production was lowered to 50,000 metric
tons during the war period (1941-45) because it is believed that since
the Soviet steel industry was greatly damaged and its aluminum industry
not yet strongly established, 50,000 tons would be a liberal estimate
for this period.
For the Fourth Five Year Plan period (1946-50), if the figure of
50,000 metric tons is accepted for 1946 and if prewar Soviet plans for
processing facilities were carried out as claimed by the Soviet press,
the total maximum plant capacity should have approximated 120,000 metric
tons by 1950, and, allowing a minimum production of 30,000 tons by hand-
sorting, the total production should have amounted to 150,000 metric tons
by 1950. This would be equivalent to an average increase rate of 25,000
metric tons during the period.
Regional distribution of the important fluorspar mines is considered
as fairly well established by prewar data together with the trend of
recent reports. Distribution of consuming centers, primarily steel and
- 24 -
S-E-r ~t-E-T
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aluminum, was supplied by mineral specialists of ORR. Consumption esti-
mates of fluorspar by the steel and aluminum industries, calculated the
same for all Bloc countries, are primarily based on the average US figures.
Inter-Bloc and East-West trade data are sufficiently comprehensive to
reach certain conclusions in regard to the Soviet supply of fluorspar.
The important conclusion reached, that the USSR's demand for acid-grade
fluorspar is increasing, is shown in Soviet reparations requirements from
East Germany for stepped-up production of acid-grade material.
Detailed methodology for many of the production and consumption figures
will be found in the footnotes to the tables in the text.
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