Magnesite deposits of British Columbia Development potential

摘要

Evaluation of the economic potential of magnesite deposits involves factors such as market; tonnage and grade; energy cost and availability; metallurgical, environmental and infrastructure considerations and technical specifications of marketed products; government regulations, taxes and tariffs are other important parameters. This study summarises geological information on sediment-hosted, sparry (macrocrystalline) magnesite deposits of British Columbia and describes the applied mineralogy and geochemistry of the Mount Brussilof mine and other magnesite occurrences. Assuming favourable market conditions, this study indicates that besides Mount Brussilof several other less known magnesite occurrences have good development potential. These deposits may represent sources of raw materials for the production of refractory, electrical grade, environmental, agricultural and chemical grade magnesia products or magnesium metal. Beneficiation may not be required for electrical, environmental and agricultural applications.