Abstract

This report gives an initial presentation of the high plateau of Popayán, with its undulating and furrowed relief, its mild and semi-dry climate, its vegetation of pastures and forests, and its essentially livestock and agricultural economy; it then describes the rocks of the subsoil, in their composition and structure, and narrates their geological evolution. All this to decipher the nature of its soils, defined as a clayey product of volcanic origin, dense, little decomposed, and very acidic. Also, to verify that in the whole extension of the high plateau there are not enough calcareous deposits that can be used to improve the little fertility of its soils.

Secondly, it is proposed to exploit the Pitayó marble for this purpose, given its good quality, large reserves, and simple open-pit mining. As a beneficiation system, it is advisable to calcine the limestone in suitable kilns to produce quick-acting quicklime, a product well suited for this type of soil.

Finally, there are plans to build the furnaces in the village of Pitayó itself, only 50 kilometers from the town of Piendamó, which is very close to the coal centers, and with good communication with the consumer markets.