Global boron reserves 2024, by major countries

Turkey had the largest reserves of boron globally in 2024, with reserves estimated to amount to *** million metric tons of refined borates. The United States had the second largest boron reserves at that time, amounting to an estimated ** million metric tons. Boron is a naturally abundant mineral with many uses from health to sciences. 

Boron, a critical mineral worth watching 

Boron is a chemical compound that can be used as a rocket fuel igniter, in medicines, food, household chemicals, manufacturing, and in the regulation of nuclear reactors, among other uses. Boron is nontoxic to humans and is necessary for the cellular structure of plants. When used in large concentrations, boron compounds function as herbicides, algaecides, and other pesticides. It also shares many of the properties of rare earths and lithium, making it an important critical mineral. 

Boron production and prices worldwide

The leading producers of boron worldwide include Turkey, Chile, and China, with Turkey's production of refined borates significantly higher than all other producers, having amounted to an estimated ***** million metric tons in 2024. In comparison, Chile's production of ulexite, a hydrous borate hydroxide of sodium and calcium, amounted to just 420,000 metric tons that year. The U.S. price for one metric ton of boron was approximately *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2024.