Major Breakthrough in Gansu: Large-Scale Magnesite Dolomite Deposit Discovered with Over 700 Million Tons of Resources

Recently, a large-scale metallurgical dolomite deposit was discovered in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province, with total resources exceeding 700 million tons, marking a significant breakthrough in mineral resource exploration in the region.

According to reports, the deposit is located in the Zhuangmatai area of Kongtong District. Since 2000, in order to accelerate the exploration and development of metallurgical dolomite in Kongtong District, the Gansu provincial, municipal, and district governments have jointly funded the general survey and detailed survey of the Zhuangmatai metallurgical dolomite deposit. Exploration results show that the ore bodies occur in the shallow marine carbonate rock strata of the Jixian System Wangquankou Formation of the Mesoproterozoic Era. A total of five layered metallurgical dolomite ore bodies were delineated, with an average grade of magnesium oxide (MgO) reaching 20.67%, representing high-quality metallurgical dolomite ore. The deposit is characterized by its massive scale, shallow burial depth, gentle dip angle, and stable thickness, making it suitable for open-pit mining.

Through methods such as geological mapping, drilling engineering, systematic sampling and testing, and ore processing technology research, the project team essentially determined the ore body characteristics, ore quality, and mining technical conditions. Estimates indicate that within the open-pit mining boundary, the total identified metallurgical dolomite ore resources exceed 700 million tons, in addition to over 300 million tons of construction-grade dolomite that can be comprehensively utilized. Besides serving as an important raw material for magnesium metal smelting, the dolomite ore can also be used in the production of refractory materials, metallurgical fluxes, glass, ceramics, and other applications, demonstrating great potential for comprehensive resource utilization. This discovery is of great significance for promoting local industrial upgrading and economic development.

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China

Authors: Xie Zhuowu, Li Yu

Disclaimer: This article is sourced from the internet. All reprinted articles are for learning and exchange purposes only, not for commercial use. If there is any infringement, please contact us promptly, and we will address it immediately. Thank you.