Hydrofluoric acid: Feedstocks
Why fluorspar is half the cost and all the power
What this tab covers What it is made from and what it feeds: the raw materials and energy per tonne with their share of cost (linked to the commodity table), who is low-cost and why, and the chemicals made from it.HF is fluorspar and sulphuric acid, plus kiln fuel. Fluorspar is about half the cash cost, so producers with captive mines (Orbia, Chinese integrated groups) or long-term acidspar contracts are most competitive. Sulphuric acid became a large cost in 2026. FSA from phosphate plants is a cheaper fluorine source where a phosphoric acid plant is next door.
Inputs per tonne
| Input | Quantity per tonne | Role | Share of cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F Fluorspar | about 2.1-2.2 t per t HF | fluorine source | about 50-60% of cash cost at 2025 prices (indicative) | Fluorspar tile; indicative |
| S Sulfur | about 2.6-2.7 t H2SO4 per t HF (about 0.85 t sulphur) | reactant | about 15-20% in 2025, higher in 2026 (indicative) | Stoichiometry; indicative |
| P Phosphate rock | alternative fluorine source | FSA route | not published | USGS MCS 2026 |
| Gas Natural gas | not published | heat | about 5-10% (indicative) | Indicative |
Who is low-cost, and why
Integrated miners in China and Mexico are lowest cost. Non-integrated plants in India, Europe and the US that import acidspar pay freight and Chinese-influenced prices. FSA-based HF can undercut fluorspar where phosphate plants supply it.
Raw materials on the commodity table
F FluorsparS SulfurWhat it is made into
| Product | Note |
|---|---|
| PTFE Fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF) | PTFE, PVDF and others |
| HFC Fluorochemicals and refrigerants | pharma and agro building blocks |
| LiPF6 Battery electrolytes | LiPF6 salt |
| UPW Ultra-pure wet chemicals | electronic-grade HF and buffered oxide etch |
| ESG Electronic specialty gases | NF3, WF6 and fluorinated etch gases |