Five years after Kentucky’s first fluorspar mine in 20 years opened in Livingston County its owners are still trying to get it up and going. Hastie Mining’s owner had expected the mine to be fully operational in 2013, but the permit process and a drop in the fluorspar market delayed full operation into next year.
Fluorspar is a mineral that is used in the aluminum and steel industries and to produce fluorochemicals. The product fluoride is commonly used in toothpaste.
Right now, the mine’s owner Donald Hastie said the company has 20,000 tons of the mineral stockpiled, but the mine needs to produce a steady 400 to 500 tons of fluorspar a day before they can start up the mill to process the mineral.
Currently the mine employs 7 people. He said once it’s up and going, the mine and its mill will employ between 30 and 40 workers and help the local economy.
“It should help the suppliers. It is helping suppliers now, we buy quite a bit from people in the surrounding area any way. Tools, and parts, and fuel....” Hastie explained.
Hastie hopes the mine will be fully operational next year and expects it to produce around 50,000 tons of fluorspar a year, generating $30-40 million annually for 20 years.
