Potassium-magnesium salt

2021

Resources

The anticipated economic resources (excluding protective pillars) of five documented deposits of the potassium-magnesium salts are estimated at above 686 million tonnes, whereas the anticipated sub-economic resources at almost 19 million tonnes (Table 1) and the bulk of these resources are formed by the four sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (Table 2). In these deposits polyhalite is occurring in the form of an early diagenetic mineral developed in the anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. The polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m, where the K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 %. The deposits situated along the rim of the Bay of Puck rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their anticipated economic resources were estimated in a C₁ category at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex than it was previously assumed and new resources calculations are needed in the future.

The minor accumulations of the potassium-magnesium salts (above 89 million tonnes of the anticipated economic resources) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow (within the documented in the central part of the pillow deposit Kłodawa 1), where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite with a small addition of sylvine) and magnesium salts (kieserite) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts and magnesium salts are strongly contaminated with the clayey matter and rock salt. The mean content of K₂O is of 8.5 % and MgO of 8.1 %. The potassium salt accumulations are of a minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of a bed (from a few to 50 m) and problems in the raw material enrichment. The salts were exploited temporarily till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out in Poland.

The potassium-magnesium salts according to the limit parameters that define a deposit are documented to the depth of 1,200 m (within beds occurrences, while in salt domes it is the depth of a deposit documentation process). The 2 m thickness (with the intercalations) is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit (with the intercalations) is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by the national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt occurrences and deposits especially located in the Bay of Puck area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. As of the end of 2021, the concession for the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. – for prospecting and exploring of the given raw material – is still in force.

The anticipated economic resources, anticipated sub-economic resources and economic resources of the potassium-magnesium salts in Poland remained unchanged in comparison with 2020.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

The foreseen resources (the prospective and prognostic) of the Permian potassium-magnesium salts in Poland, assessed to the depth of 2 km within the bedded occurrences, amount to almost 3.64 billion tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Czapowski G., Bukowski K., Mazurek S., 2020 – ‘Sól kamienna (rock salt, salt, halites), sole potasowo-magnezowe (potash salts, potassium salts, potassium-magnessium salts)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 218-232. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2020

Resources

The anticipated economic resources (beyond the protective pillars) of 5 documented deposits of the potassium-magnesium salts are estimated at above 686 million tonnes, whereas the anticipated sub-economic resources at almost 19 million tonnes (Table 1) and the bulk of these resources are formed by the 4 sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (Table 2). In these deposits polyhalite is occurring in the form of an early diagenetic mineral developed in the anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. The polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m, where the K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 %. The deposits situated along the rim of the Bay of Puck rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their anticipated economic resources were estimated in a C₁ category at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex than it was previously assumed and new resources calculations are needed in the future.

The minor accumulations of the potassium-magnesium salts (above 89 million tonnes of the anticipated economic resources) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow (within the documented in the central part of the pillow deposit Kłodawa 1), where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite with a small addition of sylvine) and magnesium salts (kieserite) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts and magnesium salts are strongly contaminated with the clay matter and rock salt. The mean content of K₂O is of 8.5 % and MgO of 8.1 %. The potassium salt accumulations are of a minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in the processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited temporarily till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out.

The potassium-magnesium salts according to the parameters that define a deposit are documented to the depth of 1,200 m (within beds occurrences, while in salt domes it is the depth of a deposit documentation process). The 2 m thickness (with the intercalations) is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit (with the intercalations) is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by the national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt occurrences and deposits especially located in the Bay of Puck area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been 2 concessions for the prospecting and exploration of the raw material issued in the last couple of years in the Bay of Puck area (the concession for Polski Potas company was taken back in 2015, whereas the concession for the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. is still in force).

The anticipated economic resources and anticipated sub-economic resources of the potassium-magnesium salts in Poland remained unchanged in comparison with 2019.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

The foreseen resources (the prospective and prognostic) of the Permian potassium-magnesium salts in Poland, assessed to the depth of 2 km within the bedded occurrences, amount to almost 3.64 billion tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Czapowski G., Bukowski K., Mazurek S., 2020 – ‘Sól kamienna (rock salt, salt, halites), sole potasowo-magnezowe (potash salts, potassium salts, potassium-magnessium salts)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 218-232. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

Resources

The anticipated economic resources (beyond the protective pillars) of 5 documented deposits of the potassium-magnesium salts are estimated at above 686 million tonnes, whereas the anticipated sub-economic resources at almost 19 million tonnes (Table 1) and the bulk of these resources are formed by the 4 sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (Table 2). In these deposits polyhalite is occurring in the form of an early diagenetic mineral developed in the anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. The polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m, where the K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 %. The deposits situated along the rim of the Bay of Puck rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their anticipated economic resources were estimated in a C₁ category at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex than it was previously assumed and new resources calculations are needed in the future.

The minor accumulations of the potassium-magnesium salts (above 89 million tonnes of the anticipated economic resources) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow (within the documented in the central part of the pillow deposit Kłodawa 1), where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite with a small addition of sylvine) and magnesium salts (kieserite) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts and magnesium salts are strongly contaminated with the clay matter and rock salt. The mean content of K₂O is of 8.5 % and MgO of 8.1 %. The potassium salt accumulations are of a minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in the processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited temporarily till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out.

The potassium-magnesium salts according to the parameters that define a deposit are documented to the depth of 1,200 m (within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of a deposit documentation process). The 2 m thickness (with the intercalations) is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit (with the intercalations) is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by the national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt occurrences and deposits especially located in the Bay of Puck area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been 2 concessions for the prospecting and exploration of the raw material issued in the last couple of years in the Bay of Puck area (the concession for Polski Potas company was taken back in 2015, whereas the concession for the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. is still in force).

The anticipated economic resources of the potassium-magnesium salts in Poland remained unchanged in comparison with 2018.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

The foreseen resources (the prospective and prognostic) of the Permian potassium-magnesium salts in Poland, assessed to the depth of 2 km within the bedded occurrences, amount to almost 3.64 billion tonnes*.

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

* Czapowski G., Bukowski K., Mazurek S., 2020 – ‘Sól kamienna (rock salt, salt, halites), sole potasowo-magnezowe (potash salts, potassium salts, potassium-magnessium salts)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 218-232. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2018

In Poland, the distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears to be limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in the south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources (beyond protective pillars) of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts are estimated at above 686 million tonnes, anticipated sub-economic resources at almost 19 million tonnes (Table 1) and the bulk of these resources are formed by the four sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (Table 2). In these deposits polyhalite is occurring in the form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m, where the K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 %. The deposits situated along the rim of the Bay of Puck rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their anticipated economic resources were estimated in a C₁ category at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex than it was previously assumed and new resources calculations are needed in the future.

Small accumulations of potassium-magnesium salts (>89 million tonnes of anticipated economic resources) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow (within the documented in the central part of the pillow deposit Kłodawa 1), where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite with a small addition of sylvine) and magnesium salts (kieserite) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts and magnesium salts are strongly contaminated with the clay matter and rock salt. The mean content of K₂O is of 8.5 % and MgO of 8.1 %. The potassium salt accumulations are of a minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in the processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited temporarily till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out.

Potassium-magnesium salts according to the parameters that define a deposit are documented to the depth of 1,200 m (within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of a deposit documentation process). The 2 m thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by the national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt occurrences and deposits especially located in the Bay of Puck area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been 2 concessions for the searching and exploration of the raw material issued in the last couple of years in the Bay of Puck area (the concession for Polski Potas company was taken back in 2015, whereas the concession for the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. is still in force).

Anticipated economic resources of potassium-magnesium salts in Poland decreased by 2.81 million tonnes in comparison with 2017, whereas the anticipated sub-economic resources have not changed. These changes were the result of re-documentation and re-classification of the resources within the Kłodawa salt pillow where anticipated economic resources amounted to 89.1 million tonnes (dropped by 2.81 million tonnes)) and economic resources amounted to 3.46 million tonnes (grew by 0.7 million tonnes (26.6 %)) (Table 2).

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2017

In Poland, the distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears to be limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in the south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at above 688 million tonnes, anticipated sub-economic resources at almost 19 million tonnes, whereas economic resources – at more than 2.7 million tonnes (Table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (Table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in the form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m. The K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Bay of Puck rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their anticipated economic resources were estimated in a C₁ category at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed in the future.

Small accumulations of potassium-magnesium salts (almost 72 million tonnes of anticipated economic resources and 2.7 million tonnes of economic resources) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with the clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8.5 % and 8.1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of a minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in the processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited temporarily till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years, this part of the salt deposit became abandoned. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out.

Potassium salt deposits are documented to the depth of 1,200 m within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of documentation. The 2 m thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by the national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt occurrences and deposits especially located in the Bay of Puck area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been 2 concessions for the searching and exploration of the raw material issued in the last 3 years (the Bay of Puck area).

Anticipated economic resources of potassium-magnesium salts in Poland increased by more than 19 million tonnes in comparison with 2016 due to the recalculation of Kłodawa 1 deposit resources.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2016

In Poland, the distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears to be limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in the south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at above 670 million tonnes and anticipated sub-economic resources at more than 20 million tonnes (table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in the form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions occur as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in a depth interval from 740 m to 900 m. The K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Pucka Bay rock salt deposit were covered by a preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at more than 597 million tonnes assuming a regular distribution of a polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (almost 72 million tonnes) were identified along the eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with the clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8.5 % and 8.1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to a high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried out.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of documentation. The 2 meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt deposits especially located in the Zatoka Pucka area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness.

Potassium-magnesium salts resources have not changed in comparison with 2015.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2015

In Poland, distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears to be limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at almost 670 million tonnes and anticipated subeconomic resources at more than 20 million tonnes (table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay, intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions occur as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in depth interval from 740 m to 900 m. K₂O content ranges from 7.7 % to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Pucka Bay rock salt deposit were covered by preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at more than 597 million tonnes assuming regular distribution of polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (more than 72 million tonnes) were identified along eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8.5 % and 8.1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried on.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of documentation. The 2 meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt deposits especially located in the Pucka Bay area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been two searching and exploring concessions for these deposits issued in the last two years (Puck area).

Potassium-magnesium salts resources have not changed since 2014.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

2014

In Poland, distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at almost 670 million tonnes and anticipated subeconomic resources at more than 20 million tonnes (table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay and intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in depth interval from 740 to 900 m. K₂O content ranges from 7.7 to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Zatoka Pucka rock salt deposit were covered by preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at more than 597 million tonnes assuming regular distribution of polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (more than 72 million tonnes) were identified along eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8.5 % and 8.1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried on.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of documentation. The 2 meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt deposits especially located in Zatoka Pucka area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness. There have been two exploration and exploitation concessions for these deposits issued: concession Nr 28/2014/p (Puck area) for the KGHM Polish Copper Combine S.A. and concession Nr 14/3013/p (Swarzewo) for Polski Potas company.

Potassium-magnesium salts resources have not changed since 2013.

In 2010 potassium-magnesium salts prognostic resources (to the depth of 1,000 m) amounted to 719.44 million tonnes, whereas perspective resources amounted to 300 million tonnes (to the depth between 1,000-2,000 m)⁽¹⁾.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

⁽¹⁾Czapowski G., Bukowski K., 2011 – Sól kamienna i sole potasowo-magnezowe. In: Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r. (ed. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik): 133-142. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2013

In Poland, distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at almost 670 million tonnes and anticipated subeconomic resources at more than 20 million tonnes (table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay and intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in depth interval from 740 to 900 m. K₂O content ranges from 7.7 to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Zatoka Pucka rock salt deposit were covered by preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at more than 597 million tonnes assuming regular distribution of polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (more than 72 million tonnes) were identified along eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8.5 % and 8.1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned. Nowadays, there is no potassium and magnesium salt exploitation carried on.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m within beds, while in salt domes it is the depth of documentation. The 2 meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. Since 2012 there has been more interest demonstrated by national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt deposits especially located in Zatoka Pucka area. These deposits need to be explored more precisely and resources have to be recalculated together with the assessment of the exploitation worthwhileness.

Potassium-magnesium salts resources have not changed since 2012.

In 2010 potassium-magnesium salts prognostic resources (to the depth of 1,000 m) amounted to 719.44 million tonnes, whereas perspective resources amounted to 300 million tonnes (to the depth between 1,000-2,000 m)⁽¹⁾.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

⁽¹⁾ G. Czapowski, K. Bukowski 2011 – ‘Sól kamienna i sole potasowo-magnezowe’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik. PIG-PIB Warszawa.

2012

In Poland, distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Anticipated economic resources of 5 documented deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at almost 670 million tonnes and anticipated subeconomic resources at more than 20 million tonnes (table 1). The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck (table 2) form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay and intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in depth interval from 740 to 900 m. K₂O content ranges from 7.7 to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Zatoka Pucka rock salt deposit were covered by preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at more than 597 million tonnes assuming regular distribution of polyhalite mineralization. The subsequent explorations demonstrated that the mineralization process was more complex and new resources calculations are needed.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (72 million tonnes) were identified along eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8,5 % and 8,1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m. The two meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %. In 2012 there was more interest demonstrated by national and foreign companies in Polish potassium and magnesium salt deposits especially located in Zatoka Pucka area.

Potassium-magnesium salts resources has slightly changed since 2010 (anticipated economic resources increased by 0.73 million tones and anticipated subeconomic resources by 1.46 million tones) due to verification of Kłodawa 1 deposit resources.

In 2010 potassium-magnesium salts prognostic resources (to the depth of 1,000 m) amounted to 719.44 million tonnes, whereas perspective resources amounted to 300 million tonnes (to the depth between 1,000-2,000 m)⁽¹⁾.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

⁽¹⁾ G. Czapowski, K. Bukowski 2011 – ‘Sól kamienna i sole potasowo-magnezowe’ in ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik. PIG-PIB Warszawa.

2011

In Poland, distribution of potassium-magnesium salts appears limited by the extent of the Zechstein salt formation. Together with rock salt they form two separate lithostratigraphic units – the Older and Younger Potash units of the Zechstein. The units are traceable in the Polish Lowlands where they were recorded in countless drillings as well as several salt structures in central Poland and layers in south-western part of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline.

Resources of five proven deposits of potassium-magnesium salts were estimated at 669 million tonnes. The sulfate (polyhalite) salt deposits of the Bay of Puck form the bulk of these resources. The deposits of the Bay of Puck area are of the sulfate (polyhalite) salt type, with polyhalite occurring in form of early diagenetic minerals developed in anhydrite layers which underlay and intercalate and overlay the oldest rock salt bed of the Zechstein. Polyhalite inclusions are present as irregularly disseminated nests and aggregate intergrowths in depth interval from 740 to 900 m. K₂O content ranges from 7.7 to 13.7 % in that depth interval. The deposits situated along the rim of the Zatoka Pucka rock salt deposit were covered by preliminary exploration in the years 1964-1971. Their indicated resources were estimated at 597 million tonnes assuming regular distribution of polyhalite mineralization.

Small accumulations of potassium salts (72 million tonnes) were identified along eastern margin of the Kłodawa salt pillow, where salts of the potassium chloride type (carnalite and sylvine) occur in rocks of the Younger Potash unit, steeply inclined (at the angle of 70^o) and folded and locally squeezed and crumple. The chloride salts are strongly contaminated with clay matter and sulfates. Mean contents of K₂O and MgO are 8,5 % and 8,1 %, respectively. The potassium salt accumulations are of minimal economic interest due to high variability in thickness of the strata (from a few to 50 m) and problems in processing of the raw material. The salts were exploited seasonally till the year 2000 when 1,400 tonnes were mined. In the next years this part of the salt deposit became abandoned.

Potassium salt deposits are explored to the depth of 1,200 m. The two meters thickness is accepted as the minimum, providing that the weighted average K₂O content in the deposit is not lower than 8 %.

Potassium-magnesium salts resources has not changed for couple of years, there were no new deposits documented and there was no verification connected with old deposits.

In 2010 potassium-magnesium salts prognostic resources (to the depth of 1,000 m) amounted to 719.44 million tonnes, whereas perspective resources amounted to 300 million tonnes (to the depth between 1,000-2,000 m)⁽¹⁾.

Potassium-magnesium salt deposits in Poland are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of potassium-magnesium salts. The data refer to exploitable resources (that is except of those remaining in safety pillars).

Table 1. Potassium-magnesium salt – million tonnes

Table 2. List of potassium-magnesium salt deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Grzegorz Czapowski

⁽¹⁾ G. Czapowski, K. Bukowski 2011 – ‘Sól kamienna i sole potasowo-magnezowe’ w ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31 XII 2009 r.’ pod red. S. Wołkowicz, T. Smakowski, S. Speczik. PIG-PIB Warszawa.