CEMENT LIMESTONE

Limestone, composed mainly of calcite, is a sort of carbonate rocks. It has been widely used in many fields such as architectural, metallurgical, chemical, light, food and petroleum industries and agriculture. It is a major component of cement, which is a popular modern building material of great importance in the national economy. In China, cement limestone ore refers to limestone and marble that are specially used for producing cement and listed separately in the mineral reserves table.     

The mining industry of cement limestone has been developed with the cement industry. The Chinese cement industry was initiated in the period of 1886~1907, but meager 660,000 tons of cement was produced in 1949 and the annual mining capacity of limestone was only one million tons. After 1949, the cement industry began to flourish and over 6,400 cement enterprises had been established by 1997. In that year, the annual output of limestone was 513 million tons and the consumption was more than 400 million tons. There were over 100 large- and medium-sized enterprises producing high-grade and special cement and the output amounted to 20% of the total cement output of China. Besides, Taiwan Province reportedly produced 22.12 million tons of cement, 15.57 million tons of cement limestone and 18.16 million tons of marble in 1997.

4.19.1 Resources

4.19.1.1 Reserves and Resources

China is one of the countries in the world that are rich in limestone resources. Limestone has been found in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions except Shanghai, of which 22 provinces and autonomous regions have total limestone resources of 12,000~13,000 billion tons, including 3,000~4,000 billion tons of cement limestone. By the year of 1997, about 7,000~8,000 cement limestone occurrences had been discovered in China and retained reserves were obtained for 1,269(265 large-sized, 498 medium-sized and 506 small-sized) of them. The country's total retained reserves of cement limestone (category B+C+D) are 54.27 billion tons (limestone: 50.79 million tons; marble: 3.48 billion tons).

Among the total retained reserves of cement limestone, category B+C makes up 59%. Exploration and detailed reconnaissance have been carried out for 82% of the occurrences including the present major mines, and the reserves (category B+C) of the major large and medium-sized mines amount to 80% of the national total.

667 (118 large, 256 medium-sized and 293 small-sized) occurrences with retained reserves have been utilized and their retained reserves are 28.6 billion tons, making up 53% of the total. They are distributed mainly in Shandong, Shaanxi, Hebei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces. The retained reserves can meet the requirements of the present large and medium cement plants until 2010 and in the ensuing period of time. 560 (137 large, 225 medium-sized and 198 small) occurrences can be selectively utilized in the near future, whose total retained reserves are 23.8 billion tons, accounting for 44% and mainly distributed in Shaanxi,Guangxi,Henan,Guangdong,Anhui,Hunan,Guizhou and Chongqing. Of the total 1269 occurrences, 42 (10 large, 17 medium-sized and 15 small) are not ready to exploit at present. They have retained reserves of 1.9 billion tons, accountinf for 3% of the total, and are distributed mainly in Guangxi, Qinghai, Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian.

4.19.1.2 Characteristics

Figure 4.19.1 represents the distribution of the 265 large cement limestone (including marble) occurrences. On the whole, cement limestone resources are extensively distributed throughout the country and the reserves are plentiful to establish large and medium cement plants for all provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) to guarantee the sustainable development of Chinese cement industry. Relatively speaking, Shaanxi, Anhui, Guangxi, Shandong, Hebei, Henan and Guangdong have more reserves than the other regions, and the provinces in coastal areas are comparatively deficient in limestone resources. Investigation is needed for discovering limestone resources in regions along newly built railways.

In North China, there are 153 occurrences with retained reserves of 6.2 billion tons, amounting to 12% of China's total. Cement limestone resources are distributed in areas to the west of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and areas to the north of Tangshan and Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province; northern and southeastern Shanxi Province; Naiman Banner and Qahar Right Banner in Inner Mongolia. Resources of cement marble are found in Arun Banner, Inner Mongolia.

In Northeast China, there are 121 occurrences with retained reserves of 5.7 billion tons, constituting 10% of the total. Cement limestone resources are distributed mainly in Liaoning, and central and southern Jilin. Cement marble resources are in southeastern Heilongjiang, Kaiyuan of Liaoning and Panshi of Jilin.

In East China, there are 286 occurrences with retained reserves of 13.3 billion tons, accounting for 24% of the national total. Cement limestone resources are distributed mainly in central and southern Shandong, the border region between northern Anhui and Jiangsu, the Anqing-Wuhu area along the Yangtze River of Anhui, the border region between southwes-tern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang, central Zhejiang, the border region between southwes-tern Zhejiang and northeastern Jiangxi, western and southern Jiangxi, and western Fujian, in addition to the western and eastern parts of Taiwan. Resources of cement marble are found in Fushan of Shandong, Quzhou of Zhejiang and Anxi of Fujian.

In South-Central China, there are 312 occurrences with retained reserves of 13.4 billion tons, occupying 25% of the total of China. Resources of cement limestone are distributed mainly in northwestern, central and southern Henan, the border region between southwes-tern Henan and northern Hubei, central and southeastern Hubei, central and western Hunan, the border region between southern Hunan and northern Guangdong, southern and eastern Guangdong, northern, southwestern and southeastern Guangxi, and northwestern Hainan. Cement marble resources are mainly in Shenzhen of Guangdong, Chenmai of Hainan and Ma-

Fig. 4.19.1Map showing the distribution of cement limestone deposits in China
1.Ewirgol, Ur¨¹mqi, Xinjiang; 2.Rehu, Hejing County, Xinjiang; 3.Taoshuyuanzi, Turpan, Xinjiang; 4.Erdaogou, Qahar Right Banner, Inner Mongolia; 5.Sanjiazi, Lingyuan, Liaoning; 6.Congyuanhao, Kazuo County, Liaoning; 7.Qifengshan, Datong, Shanxi; 8.Qifengshan (Lines 12-22), Datong, Shanxi; 9.Yulongmiao of Qifengshan, Datong, Shanxi; 10.Taershan of Xiwanzhuang, Datong, Shanxi; 11.Wenzhuyu, Changping, Beijing; 12.Zhaikou, Haidian District, Beijing; 13.Xishan of Xiazhuang, Changping, Beijing; 14.Xiaoyouying, Fangshan District, Beijing; 15.Guanwuhe, Nenjiang, Heilongjiang; 16.Dabaishan of Fuguitun, Arun Banner, Inner Mongolia; 17.Haolianghe, Yichun, Heilongjiang; 18.Xinming of Shanhe, Acheng City, Heilongjiang; 19.Lagu, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang; 20.Henfang of Yanjia, Lishu County, Jilin; 21.Chengjiatun, Lishu, Jilin; 22.Tiegongshan district of the limestone mine of the Lishu Building Materials Plant, Jilin; 23.Yanjuandingzi, Shuangyang District, Jilin; 24. Yongji Lime Plant, Jilin; 25.Shibei, Naiman Banner, Inner Mongolia; 26.Sandaogou, Tieling, Liaoning; 27.Bakeshu, Kaiyuan, Liaoning; 28.Sanhedingzi, Huinan, Jilin; 29.Xiaolishugou of Wudaojiang, Tonghua, Jilin; 30.Yangmudingzi of Mingcheng, Panshi, Jilin (limestone is associated with other rock and mineral materials); 31.Xiaotun, Liaoyang, Liaoning; 32.Gaotaizi, Benxi, Liaoning; 33.Huanxiling, Benxi, Liaoning; 34.Baojingshan, Dengta, Liaoning; 35.Laotudingzi, Huanan, Heilongjiang; 36.Baishilazi, Boli, Heilongjiang; 37.Dapandao, Linkou, Heilongjiang; 38.Jinyinku, Mishan, Heilongjiang; 39.Heiziwei, Wuqia, Xinjiang; 40.Aqike, Lop, Xinjiang; 41.Xigou, Sunan, Gansu; 42.Xueshuihe, Golmud, Qinghai; 43.Wangduoxiu, Delingha, Qinghai; 44.Eluoqiao, Qamdo, Tibet; 45.Gangou, Yinchuan, Ningxia; 46.Taomengou, Yinchuan, Ningxia; 47. Qingtongxia Cement Plant, Ningxia; 48.Alike, Qilian, Qinghai; 49.Dalagou, Gangcha, Qinghai; 50.Tieguishan, Gulang, Gansu; 51.Baitashan, Tianzhu, Gansu; 52.Mendanxia, Huangzhong, Qinghai; 53.Xiaguangshan of Baimu, Huzhu, Qinghai; 54.Huangcaopo, Menyuan, Qinghai; 55.Dazhazi, Yongdeng, Gansu; 56.Sandaogou, Pingliang, Gansu; 57.Yayaogou, Tongchuan, Shaanxi; 58.Baojianshan, Yaoxian, Shaanxi; 59.Taoqupo, Yaoxian, Shaanxi; 60.Xueshan, Qianyang, Shaanxi; 61.Wangjiazhuang, Qianyang, Shaanxi; 62.Wufengshan, Qianxian, Shaanxi; 63.Renchi, Liquan, Shaanxi; 64.Caijiagou, Jingyang, Shaanxi; 65.Danjiazhuang, Huixian, Gansu; 66.Huangniugou of Hekou, Fengxian, Shaanxi; 67.Miaotaizi, Liuba, Shaanxi; 68.Chujiashan, Zhen'an, Shaanxi; 69.Haitangshan, Zhen'an, Shaanxi; 70.Mantoushan, Shanyang, Shaanxi; 71.Shiyansi, Hanzhong, Shaanxi; 72.Dalingliang, Yangxian, Shaanxi; 73.East segment of Dalingliang, Yanxian, Shaanxi; 74. Qijiashan of Chazhen, Xixiang, Shaanxi; 75.Gaixiansi, Xixiang, Shaanxi; 76.Zhangbagou of Majiaoba, Jiangyou, Sichuan; 77.Longdongzi, Dujiangyan, Sichuan; 78.Dajianbao, Dujiangyan, Sichuan; 79.Wangjiayakou of Tianchi, Huaying, Sichuan; 80.Liujiagou, Chongqing; 81.Shibanshui, Zhongxiang, Chongqing; 82.Daliangwan, Fengdu, Chongqing; 83.Baiyankou, Fuling, Chongqing; 84.Segment II of Dabaoshan in Jingqian, Fuling, Chongqing; 85.North segment of Dabaosha, Fuling, Chongqing; 86.Shentou, Suozhou, Shanxi; 87.Balizhuang, Yixian, Hebei; 88.Zhaizi, Shunping, Hebei; 89.Sichang, Shunping, Hebei; 90.Wangguanrong, Fengrun, Hebei; 91.Yushan of the east ore district, Tangshan, Hebei; 92.Wushan, Lulong, Hebei; 93.Shimenzhai, Funing, Hebei; 94.Chazhuang, Funing, Hebei; 95.Jiazhuang of Jingxing ore district, Hebei; 96.Macun, Jingxing, Hebei; 97.Wangwu, Luquan, Hebei; 98.Dongjiao, Luquan, Hebei; 99.Wangjiadong, Zanhuang, Hebei; 100.Jie'erzhuang of the Fengfeng mine, Hebei; 101.Mengjiachang, Wu'an, Hebei; 102.Yinguo, Xingtai, Hebei; 103.Zhutoushan, Lucheng, Shanxi; 104.Shanghuangjia'ao, Lucheng, Shanxi; 105.Lizhen, Anyang, Henan; 106.Lulou, Hebi, Henan; 107.Taoyuan, Feicheng, Shandong; 108.Mingzushan, Qingzhou, Shandong; 109.Liukundongshan, Weifang, Shandong; 110.Julongshan, Sishui, Shandong; 111.Geshan of Jinzhuan, Sishui, Shandong (limestone is associated with other rock and mineral materials); 112.Zhaizi, Xintai, Shandong; 113.Heiquanzhuang, Pingyi, Shandong; 114.Xujiaya, Feixian, Shandong; 115.Huitoushan, Jiaozuo, Henan; 116.Douyigou, Weihui, Henan; 117.Moshan, Jiaxiang, Shandong; 118.Mashan, Tengzhou, Shandong; 119.Donggushan-Yuanzhaishan of Xuecheng, Zaozhuang, Shandong; 120.Moyunshan, Shanxian, Henan; 121.Heiyangshan, Shanxian, Henan; 122.Aozigou, Luoyang, Henan; 123.Jinpingshang, Yiyang, Henan; 124.Lujiaoling, Yiyang, Henan; 125.Cuimiao, Xingyang, Henan; 126.Zhanggushan of Qiligang, Xinmi, Henan; 127.Jiaozishan, Yuzhou, Henan; 128.Dajishan, Yuzhou, Henan; 129.Bogewu, Lushan, Henan; 130.Qingcaoling, Pingdingshan, Henan; 131.Jiaoshan, Tongshan, Jiangsu; 132.Huangshan, Huaibei, Anhui; 133.Peripheral areas of Huangshan, Huaibei, Anhui; 134.Qingshan, Nanzhao, Henan; 135.Xingshan, Dengzhou, Henan; 136. Northern part of Suban, Jinmen, Hubei; 137.Huangtupo, Jinmen, Hubei; 138.Huanghuachang, Yichang, Hubei; 139.East part of Yangshuping, Zhicheng, Hubei; 140.Jiudaohe, Zhicheng, Hubei; 141.Cishan, Jiangning, Jiangsu; 142.huanglongshan, Jiangning, Jiangsu; 143.Chaoyangxiang, Jiangning, Jiangsu; 144.Qinglongshan of Longtan, Nanjing, Jiangsu; 145.Eastern Longwangshan, Qixia, Nanjing, Jiangsu; 146.Dongguan, Hanshan, Anhui; 147.Qianjiashan, Caohu, Anhui; 148.Xiguoding, J¨¹rong, Jiangsu; 149.Dananshan, J¨¹rong,, Jiangsu; 150.Jinniudong, Jintan, Jiangsu; 151.Laohushan, Yixing, Jiangsu; 152.Huangjinshan, Huangshi, Hubei; 153.Caojiawan, Daye, Hubei; 154.Guanshan, Wuxue, Hubei; 155.Mazishan, Huaining, Anhui; 156.Baimashan, Wuhu, Anhui; 157.Xiaolingshan of Digang, Fanchang, Anhui; 158.Huxingshan, Tongling, Anhui; 159.Qingshan, Tongling, Anhui; 160.Chishan, Tongling, Anhui; 161.Sanxingshan, Tongling, Anhui; 162.Oushan, Zongyang, Anhui; 163.Beishan, Guichi, Anhui; 164.Hailuoshan, Ningguo, Anhui; 165.East segment of Guiyangshan, Changxing, Zhejiang; 166.West segment of Guiyangshan, Changxing, Zhejiang; 167.Yangjiashan, Changxing, Zhejiang; 168.Dameishan, Changxing, Zhejiang; 169.Shilongshan (Lines 7~19), Hangzhou, Zhejiang; 170.Xiankou, Fuyang, Zhejiang; 171.Dashandingzi, Fuyang, Zhejiang; 172.Yushan of Zhoushuizi, Dalian, Liaoning; 173.Anzishan of Daxinzhaizi, Dalian, Liaoning; 174. Yushushan, Dalian, Liaoning; 175.Daheishi, Dalian, Liaoning; 176.Yanshan of Youjiapo, Qixia, Shandong; 177.Xishuikuang of Zhanggezhuang, Fushan, Shandong; 178.Central Qingshan, Dali, Yunnan; 179.Huangshan, Emeishan, Sichuan; 180.Hulusi, Zizhong, Sichuan; 181.Jiandingding of Shawan, Leshan, Sichuan; 182.Nanquan, Chongqing; 183.Banpo, Nanquan, Chongqing; 184.Leijiashan, Baxian, Chongqing; 185.Laohudong, Junlianxian, Sichuan; 186.Qigeshan of Xunchang, Gongxian, Sichuan; 187.Fenwantou of Xunchang, Gongxian, Sichuan; 188.Dongshangang, Tongzi, Guizhou; 189.Longdong, Panzhihua, Sichuan; 190.Dongshansi, Xuanwei, Yunnan; 191.Northwestern Xiangshuihe ore district, Shuicheng, Guizhou; 192.Taojiashan, Guiyang, Guizhou; 193.Qinglongshan, Guiyang, Guizhou; 194.Yajiaozhai, Kaili, Guizhou; 195.Xiaokanglang, Kunming, Yunnan; 196.Huashan, Qujing, Yunnan; 197.Baimashan, Shizong, Yunnan; 198.Zhanma, Panxian, Guizhou; 199.Zhushan, Huaning, Yunnan; 200.Shuigushan, Liujiang, Guangxi; 201.Laogaoshan, Liujiang, Guangxi; 202.Ma'anshan, Heshan, Guangxi; 203.Leigan, Pingguo, Guangxi; 204. Guohua, Pingguo, Guangxi; 205.Jiaohe, Pingguo, Guangxi; 206.Shangli, Laibin, Guangxi; 207.Fenghuangshan of Litang, Binyang, Guangxi; 208.Changping, Fusui, Guangxi; 209.Quduo, Fusui, Guangxi; 210.Huanglian, Guigang, Guangxi; 211.Wanghua, Guigang, Guangxi; 212.Maoshan of Xieyu, Hengxian, Guangxi; 213.Xinguan, Shimen, Hunan; 214.Baimu of Ruichang, Jiangxi; 215.Matou of Jiande, Zhejiang; 216.Dayuanshan, Chenxi, Hunan; 217.Zhemuling, Xinhua, Hunan; 218.Wanluoshan, Xiangxiang, Hunan; 219.Baimu, Yichun, Jiangxi; 220.Moshan, Shanggao, Jiangxi; 221.Daheshan, Wannian, Jiangxi (limestone is associated with other rock and mineral materials); 222.Chenfashan, Yushan, Jiangxi; 223.Huifu, Changshan, Zhejiang; 224.Yankou, Changshan, Zhejiang; 225.Xiandong, Quzhou, Zhejiang; 226.Jukoupu, Xinshao, Hunan; 227.Yantang, Xinshao, Hunan; 228.Yanggushan, Shunchang, Fujian; 229.L¨¹fang, Guilin, Guangxi; 230.Tianxin, Guilin, Guangxi; 231.Datoushan, Guilin, Guangxi; 232.Zhaijiang, Lingui, Guangxi; 233.Yangjiao, Xing'an, Guangxi; 234.Xiyangling, Zixing, Hunan; 235. Jinjishan, Yudu, Jiangxi; 236.Dahu of Kengbian, Yong'an, Fujian; 237.Caotian, Yong'an, Fujian; 238.Yachaqiao, Xinfeng, Jiangxi; 239.Maozizhai, Ruijin, Jiangxi; 240.Xikeng, Yongding, Fujian; 241.Lingdou, Zhangping, Fujian; 242. Pantian iron ore district (limestone is associated with other rock and mineral materials), Anxi, Fujian; 243.Changbudong, Zhongshan, Guangxi; 244.Luojiao of Qingnian'an, Yangshan, Guangdong; 245.Dashipai, Yingde, Guangdong; 246.Baishishan of Yinghong, Yingde, Guangdong; 247.Longweishan, Yingde, Guangdong; 248.Zhongshan of Longtoushan, Yingde, Guangdong; 249.Xianrenniang, Longmen, Guangdong; 250.Chucun of Wenfu, Jiaoling, Guangdong; 251.Zhongjia, Longyan, Fujian; 252.Dongbaoshan, Longyan, Fujian; 253.Xialing, Nanjing, Fujian; 254.Shiyaoling, Cangwu, Guangxi; 255.Chini, Huadu, Guangdong; 256.Ore district around the south gate of the Zhujiang Cement Plant, Guangzhou, Guangdong; 257.Lizhizhai, Luchuan, Guangxi; 258.Shiti, Luoding, Guangdong; 259.Xiaowushan of Nanxiang, Yunfu, Guangdong; 260.Dongxin, Gaoming, Guangdong; 261.Baishiling of Dongfang Town, Dongfang City, Hainan; 262.Yunhongling, Changjiang, Hainan; 263.Kunyaling, Changjiang, Hainan; 264.Yanwuling of Qicha, Changjiang, Hainan; 265.Hesheng, Danzhou, Hainan.

cheng of Hubei.

In Southwest China, there are 225 occurrences with retained reserves of 7 billion tons, making up 13% of the total. Cement limestone resources are mainly in northern and southern Sichuan, Nanquan and Fuling of Chongqing, eastern, central and western Yunnan, northern and central Guizhou, and Qamdo and Lhasa of Tibet. Cement marble resources are found only in the Longling area of Yunnan Province.

There are 172 limestone occurrences in Northwest China with retained reserves of 8.7 billion tons, covering 16% of the national total. Resources of cement limestone are distribu-ted mainly in central and south Shaanxi, northwestern and central Gansu, the border region between southern Gansu and western Shaanxi, central and eastern Qinghai, the Yinchuan-Qingtongxia area of Ningxia, and northern, central and southwestern Xinjiang. Cement marble is found mainly in Hejing of Xinjiang, Liuba of Shaanxi, Baiyin of Gansu and Ledu of Qinghai.

Cement limestone deposits of China can be classified into the following four categories based on their genetic types: chemical or biochemical sedimentary deposits, mechanical clastic sedimentary deposits, biogenic sedimentary deposits and recrystallization deposits. The chemical and biochemical genesis is the major genetic type and their explored reserves amount to more than 90% of the total accumulative explored reserves of the country. Micritic limestone deposits, exemplified by the Fengfeng limestone deposit in Handan, Hebei Province, are distributed the most extensively. They are usually large or medium in size and yield high-grade limestone. Oolitic limestone deposits are distributed mainly in northern China and generally have large sizes. Mechanical clastic sedimentary limestone deposits are distributed also in northern China. The Qifengshan deposit in Datong, Shanxi Province, and the Laogaoshan deposit in Liujiang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are examples. Limestone deposits related to biogenesis are distributed in both northern and southern China. Recrystallization limestone deposits occur mainly in Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Liaoning and Inner Mongolia.

Cement limestone resources have an extensive time-space distribution in China. In northern China, limestone deposits have been formed since the early Paleoproterozoic, while in southern China since the late Neoproterozoic. In northern China, Cambrian and Ordovician strata are the major ore-hosting horizons and in southern China the ore-hosting strata are mainly Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic, also the Proterozoic and Silurian. The deposits are mainly of marine sedimentary origin. Shallow-sea sedimentary limestone within platforms is lithologically stable, while sedimentary limestone on the margin of old lands are quite variable in lithology. Pure limestone was hardly formed in the stage of geosynclinal movement because such epigenic events as tectonic movement, corrosion of under-ground water, magmatism and dolomitization might be unfavorable to the formation of limestone ore.     

Cement limestone ores of China have high quality and can be used for producing high-grade cement. The retained reserves of high-quality limestone (CaO¡Ý50%, MgO¡Ü2%) are more than 45 billion tons, accounting for 87% of the total limestone reserves; the retained reserves of ordinary-quality limestone (CaO: 50£¥~48%; MgO: 2£¥~3%) are more than 5 billion tons, amounting to 10%; the retained reserves of poor-quality limestone (CaO: 48%~45%; MgO: 3%~3.5%) are 1.8 billion tons, amounting to 3% of the total. Generally speaking, limestone ores occurring in Carboniferous strata have comparatively high and stable quality. High-quality limestone ores are also found in the Middle Ordovician Majiagou and Fengfeng Formations in northern China, Triassic and Devonian in southern China and Silurian in northeastern and northwestern China.     

China's cement limestone deposits are predominantly mined for limestone alone while associated mineral resources occur only in about 30 ore districts (3%), where limestone is associated with solvent limestone, calcium carbide and limestone for making alkalis, as well as cement sandstone, solvent dolomite, wollastonite and iron ore.

Cement limestone ores are generally easy to exploit and can be directly utilized without dressing. Orebodies are usually located above the erosional base level and even outcropped. They are thick and the overburden ratios are smaller than 0.5:1. Limestone ore districts usually have fairly simple hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions, so opencast mining is preferable. However, mining may be difficult for some deposits due to intense dolomitization, high content of cherts, densely interpenetrated igneous veins or well-developed karst.