Mineral resources of the departments of Antioquia and Caldas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32685/0120-1425/bolgeol18.2.1970.55Keywords:
Colombia, deposits, non-metallic mineral resources, non-metallic mineral, exploration, reserves, mining
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Copyright (c) 1970 Servicio Geológico Colombiano
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Abstract
The mineral resources of an area of 40,000 square kilometers, located mainly in the department of Antioquia, but including small parts of the departments of Caldas, Cordoba, and Risaralda, were investigated during the period 1964-1968. The area corresponds to Zone II of the National Mining Inventory (IMN). Some 18 000 km2 of this area were mapped in detail; quadrangles H-8 (Yarumal) I-9 (San Carlos) and partially quadrangles H-7; H-9; H-10; I-10; J-9 and J-10 (Eastern Antioquia).
For many years, Zone II has been a gold producer and still produces 75% of Colombia's gold. Silver is recovered as a by-product. The ferruginous laterites have been investigated as potential sources of iron but are not commercially exploitable. The nickel-bearing laterites of the Uré serpentinite in the northwest corner of the zone are potentially mineable, although less promising than the equivalent Cerro Matoso laterites to the north of the zone. Known deposits of mercury, chromium, manganese, and copper are small and of limited value.
Cement raw materials are important among the non-metallic resources, and four companies manufacture portland cement. The eastern half of Zone II contains large reserves of calcareous rock, but the lack of access roads prevents its exploitation. Amalfi dolomite is used in glass manufacture and other industries. Residual clays are abundant and are used in the manufacture of bricks and tiles. The kaolin of La Unión is used in the ceramic industry. Sub-bituminous Tertiary coal strata are an important resource in the western part of the area and have good potential for further exploitation. Aggregate construction materials are varied and abundant. Sodium feldspar, talc, decorative stone, and silica deposits are mined on a small scale. Asbestos deposits north of Campamento are being developed to provide fiber for the growing asbestos-cement industry. Wollastonite and andalusite are potential resources.
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