Why is China tightening control over fluorspar supply, and how does this affect global pricing?

Why is China tightening control over fluorspar supply, and how does this affect global pricing?
China holds roughly 27% of global fluorspar reserves but produces over 62% of world output, giving it outsized pricing power. The government has listed fluorspar as a strategic mineral, on par with rare earths, and is enforcing stricter environmental, safety, and resource-utilization rules. Mine counts have fallen from over 1,400 a decade ago to around 600 today, with only about 3% of mines producing over 100,000 tonnes annually. This supply rationalization, combined with rising downstream demand from refrigerants, lithium batteries, and semiconductors, supports a long-term bullish price outlook. Analysts expect prices to remain elevated as high-cost, small-scale producers exit and capital consolidates around larger, compliant operators.