Present situation of beryllium resources and progress in its processing technology

Beryllium is a significant rare mineral resource. The United States is the world's largest beryllium producer, with production amounting to 438.9 tons in 2019, accounting for 65% of the global output. China is a major beryllium consumer, with an apparent demand of 227.3 tons in 2019, and a high degree of dependence on foreign countries. The situation of its protection is grim in China. In this paper, the present situation of beryllium resources in the world was described, the flotation processes of the main beryllium minerals were enumerated, and process of producing beryllium hydroxide by fluorination and sulfuric acid was introduced. China should try to explore more beryllium and pay attention to the effective enrichment of low-grade beryllium ores by flotation and the comprehensive recovery and utilization of associated resources. Meanwhile, the country should further the study of the separation and enrichment of beryllium from low concentration solutions and focus on the highly efficient utilization technology of resources with high fluorine and low beryllium. In addition, we should explore the recycling of waste beryllium and improve the domestic guarantee of beryllium.