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Article: Boron
- Article from:
- Mining Engineering
- Article date:
- June 1, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. Jun 2001. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Boron compounds have been used since at least the eighth century. These compounds were initially used for their fluxing properties. Near the end of the 19th century, boron compounds became popular commercially when EM. "Borax" Smith put together a marketing program promoting several applications. Today, boric acid, borax and other boron compounds are used in many industries.
Production and consumption
The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that, in 2000, the global production of borates, expressed in terms of minerals extracted, was 4.3 Mt (4.7 million st). The United States and Turkey contributed about 60% of that volume. Other areas with borate production include Russia (23%), South ...