Magnesite is a mineral composed of magnesium carbonate, containing some degree of iron or manganese. It is a naturally occurring stone found in the form of veins and as nodules. Its main use is in the production of magnesium oxide, which is used as a refractory material, a fireproofing agent and an insulator in the construction industry. Magnesium oxide also has applications in the production of cement and for agricultural uses, as an additive in fertilizers and animal feed. Magnesium carbonate is also used in the pharmaceutical and the plastics industry.
As the demand for magnesite increases, countries with the highest reserves of magnesite are of great interest to industrialists. Below, we will look at the five countries with the largest magnesite reserves in the world.
What is Magnesite?
Magnesite is a mineral composed of magnesium carbonate. It is naturally occurring, sometimes found in veins and as nodular masses. Magnesite is primarily used in the production of magnesium oxide, which serves as a refractory material, a fireproofing agent and an insulator in the construction industry. Magnesium oxide is also used in the production of cement and for agricultural uses, as an additive in fertilizers and animal feed. Magnesium carbonate is also used in the pharmaceutical and the plastics industry.
The Growing Demand for Magnesite
As industry continues to grow and expand, the demand for magnesite has increased. Industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture all rely on magnesite to produce their goods and services, and they are looking to countries with the highest reserves of magnesite to supply them. This has led to an increase in global interest as to which countries have the highest magnesite reserves, as it is vital to know where the industry can get the most magnesite for the least amount of cost.
Which are the Countries With the Largest Magnesite Reserves In The World?
Now, let’s look at which countries have the largest magnesite reserves. Here are the five countries with the highest magnesite reserves in the world:
China
With an estimated 4.2 billion metric tons of magnesite reserves, China is the country with the largest reserves in the world. This massive reserve is estimated to contain 32% of the world’s known magnesite. The main magnesite regions of China are located in Guizhou, Anhui, and Shanxi provinces.
India
Coming in second with an estimated 1.07 billion metric tons of magnesite is India. This makes up 8.6% of the global magnesite reserves, while the majority of its magnesite reserves are located in the state of Rajasthan.
Greece
Greece ranks third in terms of magnesite reserves with 1.04 billion metric tons. This accounts for 8.4% of the world’s magnesite reserves. Greece is the only European country in this list, with its main magnesite deposits located in Thessaly and Attica.
Iran
Iran is not far behind Greece in terms of magnesite reserves, with an estimated 1.03 billion metric tons of magnesite reserves. This makes up 8.3% of the world’s magnesite reserves. Iran’s magnesite is mostly found in the province of Kerman, along the Iranian-Afghan border.
Vietnam
Vietnam comes in fifth, with an estimated 0.7 billion metric tons of magnesite reserves. This makes up 5.6% of the global magnesite reserves. Vietnam’s main magnesite deposits are located in the provinces of Quang Ninh and Ha Giang.
Magnesite is an important mineral in the production of magnesium oxide, which is used in a variety of industries. As such, countries with the highest reserves of magnesite have been of great interest. The five countries with the largest magnesite reserves in the world are China, India, Greece, Iran, and Vietnam, who together make up 65% of the world’s known magnesite reserves. In the next decade, it is likely that the demand for magnesite will continue to grow, which will make these countries even more important in the global economy.
