Wealth of Kazakhstan: minerals
Kazakhstan ranks ninth among the largest countries on the planet. However, the republic is famous not only for the size of its territory, but also for its wealth of natural resources. Which Kazakhstan minerals are mined in the south and which in the west? What resources is the republic famous for extracting? We will answer all questions.
Coal deposits in Kazakhstan
The mineral resource map of Kazakhstan is rich and varied. 99 elements from Mendeleev’s Periodic Table are mined on the territory of the republic. However, the main resource of the Republic of Kazakhstan was and is combustible minerals, namely coal.
The main coal mining sites are located in Central Kazakhstan. The most famous is the Karaganda coal basin, located on the territory of the Kazakh small hill steppe.
Its development in the 30s of the 20th century gave impetus to the work of steel production, which was in dire need of raw materials. Coal mining also influenced the development of metallurgy.
The second most important is the Ekibastuz coal basin, which is located in the northeast of Kazakhstan.
In total, more than 300 deposits have been found in the Republic and 10 coal basins are being developed.
Coking coal mined in the Republic of Kazakhstan is of high quality, due to which it is valued at home and abroad.
Ore minerals
The development of metallurgy in the Republic would not be possible without ore minerals.
Kazakhstan is rich in deposits of such resources as:
- iron;
- chromium;
- manganese;
- nickel;
- polymetals;
- gold;
- copper;
- rare metals.
Iron deposits in Kazakhstan are concentrated in the north. The richest and most developed are the Kacharskaya and Sokolovsko-Sarbaiskaya deposits.
Almost all of the Republic’s natural reserves of chromium were discovered in the Mugodzhar Mountains, in the Kempirsay and Don deposits.
Kazakhstan's manganese resources are mined in the central regions. The Atasu and Zhezdinsk deposits are recognized as the largest.
Like chromium, the bulk of nickel is mined in the Mugojar Mountains in the west of the Republic. In the central and northern regions there are about 50 rich deposits that are actively being developed by geologists.
The natural resources of Kazakhstan, called polymetals, contain valuable copper compounds, as well as inclusions of zinc, lead, gold, and silver. These mineral resources of Kazakhstan are mined in Rudny Altai and Tekeli.
Gold in Kazakhstan has been discovered in almost 200 deposits. They are mainly located in the east and north-west of the Republic of Kazakhstan. There are also small deposits in Central Kazakhstan and the northeast of the country.
Copper deposits in Kazakhstan are famous throughout the world. 92% of copper ore is exported abroad. The richest mining sites are concentrated in the central part of the Republic near Zhezkazgan.
As for rare metals, they are represented on the map of mineral resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan by tungsten, antimony, vanadium, molybdenum, bismuth and other metals. Most often they are found in polymetallic deposits located in Dzungaria and Altai.
Source: https://www.nur.kz/1712125-poleznye-iskopaemye-kazahstana-i-ih-mestorozdenia.html
Minerals of Africa
Africa is exceptionally rich in natural resources. It is one of the main suppliers of ferrous and non-ferrous metal ores for the global metallurgical industry. The continent boasts graphite deposits, oil and natural gas deposits, and relatively small coal deposits.
And yet, the main treasures of Africa are deposits of gold and diamond jewelry. In addition, on the mainland there are deposits of uranium ores, the uranium content of which reaches 0.3%.
Features of the African relief and their impact on mineral deposits
The processes of mineralization of the subsoil of the African continent occurred in the Precambrian period, as well as at the beginning of the Paleozoic. And since the ancient foundation of the continental platform rose to the surface in the southern parts and in the region of Equatorial Africa, all the most important ore deposits are concentrated there.
Metamorphoses in the layers of ancient Archean and Proterozoic plates in various areas of the mainland led to the formation of deposits of chromite in Southern Rhodesia, copper ore in the South African region, tungsten and tin in Nigeria, as well as graphite in Madagascar and manganese in Ghana.
As a result of hydrothermal processes occurring in the depths of the continent in West Africa, gold deposits were formed. South Africa is rich in gold ore of igneous origin.
Africa is so rich in diamonds that even one type of diamond pipe - kimberlite - was named after the African province of Kimberley, where a pipe of this type was first discovered. Kimberlite pipes are the so-called primary deposits of diamonds formed from graphite, which for a long time was under pressure deep in the layers of the Earth (at a depth of 100 to 200 km), was modified into diamond and brought to the surface by magma during volcanic eruptions.
Combustible minerals
Coal (deposits in South Africa). Formed from parts of ancient plants, it is one of the most important energy resources today.
Oil (fields in Libya, Algeria and Nigeria). It belongs to fossil fuels, has an oily liquid structure, and consists of hydrocarbons of varying masses. Highly valued in the world.
Ferrous metal ores
Manganese ores (deposits in South Africa). Used as an additive to iron alloys to give them hardness and strength, for the production of alloyed cast iron and steel.
Chromite ores (deposits in South Africa). Chromite is extracted from chromites, which is an essential component of stainless and heat-resistant superalloys.
Titanium magnetite ores (deposits in South Africa). Ores containing vanadium are the rarest ferrous metal. Used for the production of grade alloys of steel and cast iron.
Non-ferrous metal ores
Aluminum (bauxite deposits in Cameroon). It is widely used due to its lightness, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. The most common metal in the earth's crust.
Copper (deposits in the copper belt of the Republic of Congo and Zambia). The most valuable among non-ferrous metals. It is used in the energy industry, mechanical engineering, and in the production of various alloys.
Lead (South Africa). It is part of such minerals as cerussite, galena, anglicite, etc. It is widely used in the automotive, electrical, electronic and military industries.
Nickel (South Africa). Used for the production of nickel steel, as a coating for various metal alloys, in the manufacture of coins, etc. In the earth's crust it is present only in the composition of various ores.
Cobalt (Republic of Congo and Zambia). Used for the manufacture of high strength alloys and in the production of powerful magnets.
Tin. Most tin is mined from the mineral cassiterite (tin stone). The metal is safe, corrosion-resistant and non-toxic, so it is mainly used as a coating.
Antimony (Republic of Congo). Contained primarily in the ore mineral stibnite. It is used for the manufacture of fire retardants - compounds that reduce the flammability of various materials.
Precious metal ores
Gold (South Africa). A precious metal used in jewelry and other industries. It is found in ore, as well as in pure form in water sources.
Platinum and platinum group metals (South Africa). It is the rarest and most expensive among precious metals. It is valued due to its refractoriness, high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, high strength and electrical conductivity.
Ores of rare and radioactive metals
On the African continent there are deposits of mineral ores from which niobium (northern Nigeria), tantalum (Egypt), cesium (Zimbabwe and Namibia), and radioactive uranium (Namibia and South Africa) are mined.
Diamonds
The most famous among precious stones. They are highly valued as jewelry and are also widely used in industry due to their hardness.
Resources and deposits
Let us briefly consider the largest mineral deposits in Africa. The continent is considered a leading supplier of gold, platinum and diamonds. South Africa ranks first in the world in gold and platinum production (in 2011, 198 tons of gold and 151 tons of platinum were mined in the country). Also, large deposits of these metals are located in Zimbabwe, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Mali. Zambia is the leader in copper mining in the world, and Zambia, together with Congo, leads in cobalt deposits.
In the depths of South Africa, invaluable reserves of minerals are concentrated: 91% of the world's reserves of manganese ores, 58% of chromite ores and 50% of vanadium deposits. Cameroon contains 3.8% of the world's aluminum reserves.
The richest diamond deposits are located in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola. It is noteworthy that 100% of diamonds mined in Namibia have jewelry value.
There are large oil fields in Algeria (15th in the world), Libya, Nigeria and Egypt. The northern coast of the continent is rich in iron, manganese and lead-zinc ores.
Source: https://xn----8sbiecm6bhdx8i.xn--p1ai/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B7%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5 %20%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D0%B5%20%D0%90%D1 %84%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8.html
Deposits and characteristics of bauxite
Bauxite is a widespread rock composed primarily of aluminum hydroxide minerals. Named after the locality of Les Baux in the south of France, where a sample was discovered and described in 1821. The world learned about the properties of bauxite after the Paris exhibition of 1855, at which the aluminum obtained from it was demonstrated, presented as “clay silver.” Indeed, bauxite looks similar to clay in appearance, but in its physical and chemical properties it has nothing in common with it.
Bauxite is a widespread rock composed primarily of aluminum hydroxide minerals.
Characteristics of bauxite
In color they are most often red, brown, less often white, gray, black, green or with admixtures of various colors. Bauxite does not dissolve in water. Externally, they can look clayey or rocky, in structure - dense or porous, finely crystalline or amorphous. Density depends on iron content.
Often rounded grains formed by alumina or iron oxide may be included in the groundmass. With a content of 50-60% iron oxide, the rock acquires the meaning of iron ore. The hardness of bauxite on the Mohs scale ranges from 2 to 7.
Its chemical formula, in addition to aluminum oxide hydrates that make up the main ore mass, includes iron, silicon, titanium, magnesium and calcium carbonate, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zirconium, and vanadium in the form of various compounds. Sometimes - an admixture of pyrite.
Bauxite does not dissolve in water
Depending on the nature of the rock-forming mineral, bauxite can be divided into 3 main groups:
- monohydrate, in which alumina is presented in only one form (diaspore, boehmite);
- trihydrate, containing alumina in trihydrate form (gibbsite);
- mixed, combining the first 2 groups.
The quality and grade of bauxite as aluminum ore depends on the content of aluminum oxide in terms of dry matter. The highest brand contains it in the amount of 52%, the lowest brand contains at least 28%. Even within the same deposit, the amount of alumina can vary significantly. The quality of the rock decreases with increasing silicon oxide content.
Bauxite ore is valued, from which alumina is easily extracted. Its different varieties and brands are used in industry in their own way.
Place of Birth
About 90% of the world's bauxite reserves are located in 18 tropical countries. Typically, the quality of lateritic bauxites formed as a result of deep chemical processing of aluminosilicate rocks in tropical climates is high. Sedimentary bauxites formed as a result of the transfer of lateritic weathering products and their redeposition can be either high-grade or substandard.
Deposits are located in the form of layers, lenses or nests, often on the surface of the earth or in its uppermost layers. Therefore, ore is mainly mined in open pits using powerful mining equipment. World reserves are characterized by uneven territorial distribution. More than 50 countries have ore deposits, with 93% of these reserves located in 12 of them. Large deposits have been discovered in Australia, Africa, South and Central America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
The highest alumina content is in ore mined in Italy (64%) and China (61%).
Gallery: bauxite stone (50 photos)
Russia's largest bauxite deposits are located in Severouralsk , where 70% of the country's total ore is mined. These are the oldest deposits on earth, more than 350 million years old.
The recently commissioned Cheremukhovskaya-Glubokaya mine is located 1,500 m underground. Its uniqueness is in the extraction and transportation of ore: 1 piledriver contains 3 lifting machines. Proven reserves amount to 42 million tons, and the aluminum content of the ore is almost 60%. The Cheremukhovskaya mine is the deepest in the Russian Federation.
It should meet the country's need for aluminum for 30-40 years.
The cost of 1 ton of ore without transportation costs in Russia is 20-26 dollars, for comparison, in Australia -10. Due to unprofitability, bauxite mining has been stopped in the Leningrad and Chelyabinsk regions. In Arkhangelsk, rock with a high level of alumina is mined by open-pit mining, however, the increased content of chromium and gypsum reduces its value.
The quality of ores from Russian deposits is inferior to foreign ones, and their processing is more complicated. Russia ranks 7th in the world in bauxite production.
Use of bauxite
The use of bauxite accounts for 60% of aluminum production. Its production and consumption ranks 1st in the world among non-ferrous metals. It is necessary in shipbuilding, aviation and food industries. When using aluminum profiles at sea, their strength, lightness and corrosion resistance are of great importance.
The consumption of bauxite in construction is developing dynamically; more than 1/5 of the aluminum produced is spent on these needs. When smelting ore, electrocorundum is obtained - an industrial abrasive. The released impurity residues of non-ferrous metals are raw materials for the production of pigments and paints .
Alumina obtained from ore is used as a molding material in metallurgy. Concrete made with the addition of aluminous cement hardens quickly and is resistant to high temperatures and liquid acidic environments. The absorbent properties of bauxite make it suitable for use in oil spill removal products.
Low-iron rocks are used to make refractories that can withstand temperatures up to 1,900°C.
The demand for aluminum and other ore processing products is growing, so developed countries are investing in the development of deposits even with a low profitability threshold.
The use of bauxite in jewelry is found only in original works. Unusually colored specimens are used to make souvenirs, in particular polished balls. The mineral bauxite is not used in folk medicine, since its therapeutic potential has not been discovered to date. Also, its magical properties have not been identified, so it does not attract the attention of psychics.
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Source: https://vsekamni.net/2017/07/mestorozhdeniya-i-harakteristika-boksita
What mineral resources is the territory of Russia rich in?
Minerals are valuable formations located inside and partially above the earth’s crust; their physical and chemical properties, as well as composition, are valued for their ability to be used in various spheres of human activity. Fossils can be either solid, liquid or gaseous.
Accumulations of fossil resources are called deposits - in these zones they are presented in large quantities in the form of placers, veins, layers, stocks. Russian PIs are a colossal set of valuable metals, ores, combustible materials and other resources. Many of them are concentrated in greater numbers on the territory of the Russian Federation than anywhere else.
general information
Russia, having the largest territory in comparison with other countries, occupies a leading position in the extraction of essential minerals.
The total number of deposits is more than 200,000, and this number is constantly increasing as methods for searching for new deposits are improved. The value of the estimated resources is over 30 trillion. dollars.
The amount of natural gas and coal beats the records of most other countries: they represent 32% and 30%, respectively, of the total world reserves.
Relationship between relief and mineral resources of the Russian Federation
The territory of Russia is extremely complex and diverse due to its large extent from west to east and from south to north. Huge territories unite different terrains, rich in a full range of PIs:
- plains in the European and central region;
- mountains in the south, east and northeast, as well as the unique Ural range that crosses the country;
- northern slope with waters flowing into the seas of the Arctic Ocean.
Due to the unique geographical location, diversity of relief forms and natural zones, almost all known minerals have formed on the territory of the country.
Types and reserves of minerals
Russia is one of the richest countries in the world in mineral resources. Coal and gas occupy the leading positions, but there are many other resources in demand, and their reserves are truly enormous.
Oil and gas
The Russian Federation ranks 7th in terms of oil reserves in the world, and the country has no equal in gas reserves - 1st place:
- 14.1 billion tons of oil, as well as up to 62 billion tons of unexplored reserves in the northern and eastern regions. It is believed that the production of exploited reserves is 45%, but a colossal part is not produced;
- Gas reserves amount to over 40 billion tons, and more than 77% of them are in Western and Eastern Siberia.
According to preliminary data, oil production will continue for at least 22 years, and gas production for about 81 years.
Coal
Russia contains 50 billion tons of coal and at least 1.8 trillion. t brown. The eastern part of Russia contains up to 63% of reserves, the rest is in the Urals and the European region. The largest basin is the Kansko-Achinsky basin.
The coal industry in Russia is mainly concentrated (over ¾) in underground mining, and ¼ is suitable for open-pit mining, which is considered safer. Not all reserves have yet been developed, and many of them are yet to be discovered.
Iron ores
In this area, the Russian Federation also occupies a leading position in terms of reserves - up to 264 billion tons, but the ores lie at a considerable depth. Iron ore is of high quality, and most of it is mined in the European part of the Russian Federation.
Peat
The total part of identified peat resources is 160 billion tons, located in 46,000 deposits. Up to 76% of all reserves are concentrated in the Asian part of the country. The largest deposit is located in Western Siberia and amounts to over 18.8 billion tons.
Oil shale
The country is rich in these minerals, but does not occupy a leading position. However, the deposits are not very evenly distributed: the main sources are in the European region, but Siberia is also considered an important source of shale in the future.
Manganese
The mineral is represented in a huge number of deposits, but its deposits are insignificant - up to 2.7% of the world's. It is believed that in the Russian Federation manganese is of low quality and difficult to enrich. The largest deposit is located in the Urals.
Titanium ores and vanadium
Titanium ores are mined in coastal and sea regions, as well as on the shores of some lakes in the Urals, Eastern and Western Siberia, and Transbaikalia.
Vanadium is widely mined in the Urals, but most of the element is recovered during excavations in other areas, in particular coal and oil fields.
Gold and silver
Since the beginning of the 21st century, Russia has ranked 4th in gold production in the world, after South Africa, Australia and the USA. According to forecasts, over 25 tons of gold are concentrated in the Russian Federation. Silver reserves rank first in the world. Moreover, 73% of them are mined in complex places where gold and non-ferrous metals are born.
Precious and semi-precious stones
In the Russian Federation, a colossal amount of different stones are mined, used to create jewelry and other adornments: jasper, jades, topazes, as well as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Diamonds are mined mainly in Yakutia and partly in the Urals.
Aluminum
The light and ductile metal, without which it is difficult to imagine modern industry, is mined in the Russian Federation in insufficient quantities, and there is an acute shortage of it. Moreover, the largest deposits are located in Komi - over 200 million tons.
Uranus
Russia is ranked 7th in terms of explored uranium deposits, or 5.3% of world reserves. According to forecasts, it will be possible to extract raw materials within 15-20 years from already developed areas. However, there are areas that have not yet begun to be developed.
Other Resources
Data on other important natural resources can be provided:
- chromium - the exact amount is unknown, but it is believed that less than 10% has been explored;
- copper – reserves amount to over 20 million tons;
- nickel – the Russian Federation ranks 1st in terms of reserves, which amount to over 7,300 thousand tons;
- tin is one of the first places in the world, or 7.6% (3.6 million tons);
- zinc – about 22.7 million tons according to preliminary forecasts;
- platinum – 8.1% of world reserves (platinum group metals – at least 10%);
- mining chemical raw materials (salts, soda, sulfur, boron ores and much more) are presented in large quantities.
Non-metallic construction raw materials are represented in thousands of deposits throughout Russia. Mining sites are also interesting for the presence of very rare metals, such as beryllium.
There are a colossal number of mineral deposits on the territory of the Russian Federation, and not all of them have been developed. It turned out very fortunately that most of the most important resources are concentrated in Russia - oil, gas, coal, as well as non-ferrous and ferrous metal ores and precious stones.
However, the current pace of development will lead to the fact that in less than 100 years the most valuable mineral resources will be completely depleted if humanity does not invent new ways to use and process natural resources.
Source: https://NatWorld.info/raznoe-o-prirode/kakimi-poleznymi-iskopaemymi-bogata-territorija-rossii
