Production and requirements of high-grade dolomite in Venezuela

摘要

Venezuela is an important producer of high quality white dolomite, with MgO content of around 20 percent. Although Venezuela has at least five dolomite districts, only two of those areas, the northern Carabobo dolomite belt and the La Concepcion deposits in Yaracuy State, are being mined.The northern Carabobo dolomite belt constitutes an important reservoir of while dolomite and chemical-grade limestone. Some 200,000 tpa of high quality dolomite is produced in the area. The Concepcion deposits constitute large lenticular masses of 20 percent MgO in sharp contact with metamorphic limestone. This region produces about 100,000 tpa. Both dolomites are used by the glass, ceramic, fertiliser, and landscaping industries, and as a filler by the paint, plastic and paper industries of the Valencia and Maracay region.