2022

Resources and output

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The output of gypsum and anhydrite decreased in 2022 by 89 thousand tonnes (about 7.9%) in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 1.034 million tonnes. It contained: 932.07 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits (the drop by about 6.8% comparing with 2021), and 101.63 thousand tonnes of anhydrite from 2 deposits (the drop by 21.4% comparing with 2021). It should be emphasized that during the exploitation of anhydrite the exploitation losses – in contrast to the minor losses in the case of gypsum (about 1.5% of the output) – were much bigger (about 145% of the output) to the exploited amount. Such significant losses are caused by the exploitation system (the altitudinal zonation of the resources output) and therefore by the lack of possibilities of systematically including particular resources parts to losses. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2022.

 

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of gypsum and anhydrite are assessed to be equal 483,985.52 million tonnes, whereas the prospective resources to be equal 91,740.46 million tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Sztromwasser E., Giełżecka-Mądry D., Kuć P., 2020 – ‘Gipsy i anhydryty (gypsum and anhydrite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 282-296. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2021

Gypsum and anhydrite

Resources and output

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The output of gypsum and anhydrite increased in 2021 by 66 thousand tonnes (6.2%) in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 1.123 million tonnes. It contained: 999.88 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits (the growth by 8.4% comparing with 2020), and 123.38 thousand tonnes of anhydrite from 2 deposits (the drop by 8.8% comparing with 2020). It should be emphasized that during the exploitation of anhydrite the exploitation losses – in contrast to the minor losses in the case of gypsum (about 0.8% of the output) – were much bigger (about 113% of the output) to the exploited amount. Such significant losses are caused by the exploitation system (the altitudinal zonation of the resources output) and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2021.

 

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of gypsum and anhydrite are assessed to be equal 483,985.52 million tonnes, whereas the prospective resources to be equal 91,740.46 million tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Sztromwasser E., Giełżecka-Mądry D., Kuć P., 2020 – ‘Gipsy i anhydryty (gypsum and anhydrite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 282-296. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2020

Gypsum and anhydrite

Resources and output

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The output of gypsum and anhydrite decreased in 2020 by 8 thousand tonnes (0.7%) in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 1.057 million tonnes. It contained: 922.04 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits (the drop by 1.1% comparing with 2019), and 135.37 thousand tonnes of anhydrite from 2 deposits (the growth by 2% comparing with 2019). It should be emphasized that during the exploitation of anhydrite the exploitation losses – in contrast to the minor losses in the case of gypsum (about 2.4% of the output) – were similar (about 100.8% of the output) to the exploited amount. Such significant losses are caused by the exploitation system (the altitudinal zonation of the resources output) and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2020.

 

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of gypsum and anhydrite are assessed to be equal 483,985.52 million tonnes, whereas the prospective resources to be equal 91,740.46 million tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Sztromwasser E., Giełżecka-Mądry D., Kuć P., 2020 – ‘Gipsy i anhydryty (gypsum and anhydrite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 282-296. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

Gypsum and anhydrite

Resources and output

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The output of gypsum and anhydrite increased in 2019 by 23 thousand tonnes (2.2%) in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 1.065 million tonnes. It contained: 887.25 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits – the drop by 2.9% comparing with 2018, and 132.69 thousand tonnes of anhydrite from 2 deposits – the growth by 3.6% comparing with 2018. It should be emphasized that during the exploitation of anhydrite the losses were still much more significant (about 141.3% of the output) than in the case of the gypsum exploitation (about 10.3% of the output). They are caused by the exploitation system and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2019.

 

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of gypsum and anhydrite are assessed to be equal 483,985.52 million tonnes, whereas the prospective resources to be equal 91,740.46 million tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Sztromwasser E., Giełżecka-Mądry D., Kuć P., 2020 – ‘Gipsy i anhydryty (gypsum and anhydrite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 282-296. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2018

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of sea water evaporation in a temperatures lower than those necessary for the precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in the result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as an ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present, it is widely used in the production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in the production of moulds for the ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in the surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in the production of self-leveling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporate formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their anticipated economic resources, beyond the protective pillars, documented within 15 deposits amount as of the end of 2018 to above 255 million tonnes (the resources have decreased by about 0.4% since 2017) and the resources of 4 exploited deposits – at 83.3 million tonnes (decreased by about 1.3% in comparison with 2017; Table 1). Economic resources (equal above 67 million tonnes) have decreased by 1.09 million tonnes (1.6%) since 2017, whereas anticipated sub-economic resources have not changed..

Miocene gypsum deposits of the economic importance are located mainly along the northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida valey. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is from 3 m to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85% to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates (mainly anhydrites and secondary gypsum – originated from the anhydrites gypsification in the zones of aggressive groundwater infliltration) from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and a variability in a quality of mineral raw material. Two deposits are exploited in that region: Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (Table 2). The sulfates beds occur at the depth below 180 m, their thickness varies from 2 m to 34 m and the CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 10.2% to 92.4%. Moreover, estimated resources of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated – for their shallower occurring parts – at 57 billion tonnes.

In an accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals from 60% for anhydrite to 80% for gypsum, with the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

The location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The output of gypsum and anhydrite decreased by 66 thousand tonnes (about 6%) and amounted to 1.042 million tonnes in 2018. It contained: 913.83 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits – the drop by 8% and 128.05 thousand tonnes of anhydrite from 2 deposits – the growth by 12.7% in comparison with 2017. It should be emphasized that during the exploitation of anhydrite the losses were still significant (about 103% of the output). They are caused by the exploitation system and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. In case of gypsum losses account for about 1.5% of the output. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2018.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2017

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of sea water evaporation in a temperatures lower than those necessary for the precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in the result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as an ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present, it is widely used in the production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in the production of moulds for the ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in the surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in the production of self-leveling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporate formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their anticipated economic resources documented in 15 deposits were estimated in 2017 at slightly above 256 million tonnes (decreased by about 0.4% since 2016) and the resources of 4 exploited deposits – at 84.42 million tonnes (decreased by about 1.4% in comparison with 2016 due to the exploitation; Table 1). Economic resources (equal about 68.8 million tonnes) decreased by 1.21 million tonnes, whereas anticipated sub-economic resources have not changed since 2016.

Miocene gypsum deposits of the economic importance are situated mainly along the northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is from 3 m to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85% to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and a variability in a quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in the result of gypsification of anhydrite in the zones of aggressive groundwater infiltration. Two deposits are exploited in that region: Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (Table 2). The deposits occur at the depth to more than 180 m, their thickness varies from 2 m to 34 m and the content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 10.2% to 92.4%. Moreover, estimated resources of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In an accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

The location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The geological resources decreased in 2017 – as a result of the exploitation – by 1.21 million tonnes despite a small resources growth (above 45 thousand tonnes in Borków-Chwałowice deposit, almost 20 thousand tonnes in Leszcze deposit and 9.9 thousand tonnes in Nowy Ląd deposit due to the better geological exploration).

The output of gypsum and anhydrite increased by 65 thousand tonnes (6.2%) and amounted to 1.108 million tonnes in 2017. It contained: gypsum from 3 deposits – 994.31 thousand tonnes (increased by 10.7%) and anhydrite from 2 deposits – 113.6 thousand tonnes (decreased by almost 17% in comparison with 2016). It should be emphasized that during the anhydrite exploitation the losses are still significant (about 90% of the output). They are caused by the exploitation system and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. In case of gypsum losses account for 9% of the output. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2017.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2016

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation of sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in the result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in the production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in the production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-leveling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2016 at more than 257 million tonnes (decreased by 0.4% since 2015) and the resources of four exploited deposits – at 85.65 million tonnes (table 1). Economic resources decreased by 39.2 million tonnes, whereas anticipated sub-economic resources have not changed since 2015.

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along the northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is from 3 m to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85% to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in the result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów (in November 2015 there was a decision made to finish the exploitation), Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (table 2). The deposits occur at the depth of 25 m to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 m to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56.0% to 95.3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

The geological resources decreased in 2016 as a result of the exploitation by 1.11 million tonnes despite a small resources growth (above 32 thousand tonnes in Leszcze deposit and about 5.5 thousand tonnes in Nowy Ląd deposit due to the Belter geological exploration).

The output of gypsum and anhydrite increased by 25 thousand tonnes and amounted to 1.043 million tonnes in 2016. It contained: gypsum from three deposits – 898.42 thousand tonnes (increased by 1.8%) and anhydrite from two deposits – 136.71 thousand tonnes (increased by about 0.5% in comparison with 2015). It should be emphasized that during the anhydrite exploitation the losses where much bigger (by about 109.4%) than the output. Such significant losses where caused by the exploitation system and therefore by the lack of possibilities of including particular resources parts to losses. Still, the residual gypsum emerging in the process of fumes desulfurization is used.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2016.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2015

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation of sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in the result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-leveling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2015 at more than 258 million tonnes (decreased by 0.5% since 2014) and the resources of five exploited deposits – at more than 126 million tonnes (table 1). Economic resources decreased by 1.4 million tonnes, whereas anticipated subeconomic resources have not changed since 2014.

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is 3 m to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85% to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów (in November 2015 there was a decision made to finish the exploitation), Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (table 2). The deposits occur at the depth of 25 m to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 m to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56.0% to 95.3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

Production of gypsum and anhydrite amounted to slightly above one million tonnes in 2015 (including 882.37 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits – 2.5% drop and 136.08 thousand tonnes of anhydrite also from 3 deposits – 7.7% drop) and decreased in comparison with 2014 by 4.1% (Table 2). It should be emphasized that during anhydrite exploitation the losses were almost three times bigger than the output, whereas it was only 8% of the output in the case of gypsum. Such losses are caused by the exploitation system.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2015.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2014

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation of sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-levelling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2014 at more than 260 million tonnes (decreased by 0.5% since 2013) and the resources of five exploited deposits – at more than 120 million tonnes (table 1). Economic resources increased by 1.5 million tonnes (mainly due to the approval of new mining development plan for Leszcze deposit), whereas anticipated subeconomic resources have not changed since 2013.

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is 3 to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85 to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów, Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (table 2). The deposits occur at the depth of 25 to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56% to 95.3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

Production of gypsum and anhydrite amounted to 1.06 million tonnes in 2014 (including 904.99 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits and 147.48 thousand tonnes of anhydrite also from 3 deposits) and decreased in comparison with 2013 by 2.1%. It should be emphasized that during anhydrite exploitation the losses amounted to 150% in the output balance whereas it was only 9.3% of the output in the case of gypsum.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2014.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2013

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation of sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-levelling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2013 at more than 261 million tonnes (increased by 1.6% since 2012) and the resources of 5 exploited deposits – at more than 129 million tonnes (table 1).

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is 3 to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85 to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów, Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka (table 2). The deposits occur at the depth of 25 to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56% to 95.3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

The significant decrease of anticipated economic resources and economic resources in Lubichów, Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka deposits is the result of specific mining works carried out and therefore of increasing losses of resources.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

Production of gypsum and anhydrite amounted to almost 1.1 million tonnes in 2013 (including 951.76 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits and 132.80 thousand tonnes of anhydrite also from 3 deposits) and decreased in comparison with 2012 by 11.6%.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2013.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2012

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation and sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-levelling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2012 at more than 257 million tonnes (decreased by 0.7% since 2011) and the resources of five exploited deposits – at more than 125 million tonnes (table 1).

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is 3 to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85 to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Documented deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów, Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka. The deposits occur at the depths of 25 to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56% to 95.3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

Production of gypsum and anhydrite amounted to 1,228 thousand tonnes in 2012 (inlcuding 1,077.31 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits and 150.28 thousand tonnes of anhydrite also from 3 deposits) and increased in comparison with 2011 by 0.16%.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2012.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2011

Gypsum and anhydrite

Gypsum (CaSO₄^.2H₂O) is a product of evaporation and sea water in temperatures lower than those necessary for precipitation of anhydrite (CaSO₄). Gypsum may originate also in result of hydration of anhydrite. Alabaster is a fine-grained variety of gypsum. Finer kinds of alabaster are used mainly as ornamental and decorative stone and by sculptors.

Fired gypsum is one of the most common and ancient mortar of buildings. At present it is widely used in production of various building materials and prefabricates. It is also used in production of moulds for ceramic industry and is added to Portland cement as a component preventing cement flash setting. Some amounts of gypsum are used in the paint, lacquer and varnish industries and its especially pure varieties – in surgery and dental clinics. Clear colorless gypsum crystals (selenite) were used to make optical instruments. Anhydrite is currently added to Portland cement and in production of self-levelling floors.

In Poland, deposits of calcium sulfates (gypsum and anhydrite) are associated with saline (halite and potassium-magnesium salts) series of the evaporite formations of the Miocene and Zechstein. Their resources in 15 major deposits were estimated in 2011 at almost 259 million tonnes (increased by 0.5% since 2010) and the resources of five exploited deposits – at over 127 million tonnes (table 1).

Miocene gypsum deposits of economic importance are situated mainly along northern margin of the Carpathian Foredeep, especially in the Nida Basin. In these areas gypsum forms a thick, extensive bed, gently inclined and slightly disturbed tectonically. The gypsum bed crops out at the surface or is covered with a sedimentary blanket a few to over a dozen meters thick. The deposit series is 3 to 46 m thick and is characterized by fairly uniform of the mineral raw material and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranging from 85 to 95%. Deposits exploited in this region include Borków-Chwałowice and Leszcze.

Demonstrated deposits of Zechstein sulfates from the Lower Silesian region are characterized by markedly more complex geological conditions (strong tectonic disturbances) and variability in quality of mineral raw material. These are mainly deposits of anhydrites and secondary gypsum formed in result of gypsification of anhydrite in zones of infiltration of aggressive groundwater. Three deposits are exploited in that region: Lubichów, Nowy Ląd and Nowy Ląd-Pole Radłówka. The deposits occur at the depths of 25 to 400 m, their thickness changes from 1.7 to 50.3 m and content of CaSO₄^.2H₂O ranges from 56% to 95,3%. Moreover, resources of shallow-seated parts of non-exploited gypsum and anhydrite deposits which are associated with copper ores of the Lubin-Głogów Copper Area and made accessible by mining works of the copper mines are estimated at 57 billion tonnes.

In accordance with domestic regulations, gypsum deposits are explored down to the depth of 50 m and those of anhydrite – down to 400 m. The minimum thickness accepted for gypsum deposits is 2 m and for those of anhydrite – 5 m. The accepted minimum content of usable components equals 60% for anhydrite and 80% for gypsum and the maximum ratio of thickness of cap rock to that of the deposit is 0.5 in the case of gypsum deposits.

Location of gypsum and anhydryte deposits in Poland is presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the state of development and exploration of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland.

Table 1. Gypsum and anhydrite – million tonnes

Production of gypsum and anhydrite amounted to 1,226 thousand tonnes in 2011 (inlcuding 1,067.65 thousand tonnes of gypsum from 3 deposits and 157.02 thousand tonnes of anhydrite also from 3 deposits) and increased in comparison with 2010 by 4%.

The figure given below show changes in domestic resources and production of gypsum and anhydrite in Poland in the years 1989-2011.

Table 2. List of gypsum and anhydrite deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski