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Magnesite
Magnesite carbonate, also known as magnesite when found
in nature, is a white or colourless chemical used to make magnesium
oxide. Its formula is MgCO3.
Magnesite belongs to the calcite group, a group of related carbonates
that are isomorphous with one another. Similar in many physical
properties, they may partially or fully replace one another,
forming a partial solid solution series.
Caustic magnesite is not completely calcined, 3% to 4% of carbon
dioxide being left. Mixed with magnesium chloride it makes oxychloride
cement, mainly used for floorings and as a stucco. Dead-burned
magnesite is calcined in kilns until it contains less than 1%
of carbon dioxide. It is made into an excellent firebrick.
83% of the magnesite produced is used in the refractory industry.
Elsewhere, magnesite is used as animal feed and fertiliser,
in the paper industry, in the manufacture of Epsom salts, face
powder, boiler wrappings and disinfectants.
Links:
-
Grecian Magnesite S.A.,
- Kümas
Kütahya Manyezit AS,
-
Magnesitas Navarras S.A.,
- Magnesitas
de Rubian S.A.,
- Nedmag
Industries Mining & Manufacturing B.V.,
-
RHI Refractories,
-
Slovenské Magnezitové Závody AS Jelsava,
- Styromagnesit
Steirische Magnesitindustrie GmbH (Styromag)
Magnesite - World Production*
| |
2002
|
2003
|
| Australia |
140
|
140
|
| Austria |
202
|
200
|
| Brazil |
78
|
80
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| China |
1.070
|
1.100
|
| Greece |
144
|
140
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| India |
110
|
110
|
| North Korea |
288
|
290
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| Russia |
288
|
300
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| Slovakia |
144
|
140
|
| Spain |
251
|
150
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| Turkey |
576
|
580
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| Other countries |
126
|
130
|
| World Total (rounded) |
3.320
|
3.360
|
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries,
January 2003 and January 2004
Note: * Data in thousand metric tonnes of magnesium content,
United States excluded
Magnesite - EU 30 Production of Magnesite 2002
in Tonnes
| |
2002
|
% European Production
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| Austria |
728.235
|
11,95
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| Greece |
500.000
|
8,2
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| Netherlands |
230.000
|
3,77
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| Poland |
22.100
|
0,36
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| Slovakia |
929.630
|
15,26
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| Spain |
637.024
|
10,45
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| Turkey |
3.044.440
|
49,97
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| World
Total |
20.508.417
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Source: Euopean Mineral Statistics 1998-2002 - British Geological
Survey
Global figures for 2002
| World natural Magnesite reserves |
10 Billion MT
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| World natural Magnesite production |
18 Million MTPA
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| World Magnesia production / consumption |
9,5 Million MTPA
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out of which
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Natural 
80% |
DBM
80 % |
Synthetic
20% |
CCM
20% |
Source: Grecian Magnesite S.A.
MgO Outlets
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World Total consumption
(MT / Year)
|
Percentage (%)
per Outlet
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| Refractories (shaped & unshaped) |
8.000.000
|
83,10
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| Agricultural (animal feed & fertilizers) |
500
|
5,20
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| Environmental |
550
|
5,70
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| Pulp & Paper |
50
|
0,50
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| Construcion (Flooring - Abrasives - Panels) |
120
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1,20
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| Heating Elements |
55
|
0,60
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| Welding Fluxes |
30
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0,30
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| Ceramics |
40
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0,40
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| Magnesium Metal |
200
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2,10
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| Chemicals |
80
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0,80
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| Total |
9.625.000
|
100
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Source: Grecian Magnesite S.A.
Notes:
1. Figures refer only to Caustic and deadburned magnesia, magnesium
carbonate
and magnesium hydroxide from natural and synthetic sources
2. Figures are estimated to the best of Grecian Magnesite's
marketing Dept. knowledge
3. Total figures per outlet might include Caustic and deadburned
magnesia, magnesium carbonate
and magnesium hydroxide
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