Magnesites
Magnesite (magnesium carbonate - MgCO3) originates from decay of magnesium-rich igneous rocks under hydrothermal conditions and forms white accumulations.
Polish magnesite deposits are related to the Sobótka, Szklary, Grochowa-Braszowice massifs of Precambrian serpentinites and the Gogołów-Jordanów Massif of ultramafic rocks in the Lower Silesian region (map). Up to the present, six magnesite deposits have been proven in this region. The deposits are of the vein type, with individual veins attaining up to 3 meters in thickness and characterized by complex geological structure and high variability in quality of the raw material. Magnesite is currently exploited in an open strip mine at Braszowice only. Prospective resources are assessed to be equal 3.25 million tonnes(1).
Magnesite is used mainly as semi-manufactured material in production of multi-component artificial fertilizers, in purification of potable water and sewage treatment and as mineral additive to animal feed.
Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of magnesite deposits in Poland.
Anticipated economic resources as of the end of 2014 were estimated at 14.11 million tonnes and decreased by 0.27 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. There was new resources calculation approved for Szklary deposit – as there was new nickel ores deposit (Szklary 1) documented within the area of Szklary deposit.
In 2014, domestic production of magnesite was equal 92 thousand tonnes, slightly decreasing in comparison with 2013.
Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon
(1) C. Sroga, 2011 - "Magnezyty" in "Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r." pod red. S. Wołkowicza, T. Smakowskiego, S. Speczika. PIG-PIB Warszawa.