Gypsum Mining; United States is the World's Largest Producer of Gypsum from Mines

(MENAFN- Coherent Market Insights) Gypsum mining has a long history in Kansas, dating to the mid- to late-1800s. Barber County is one of the larger mines and plants in the United States according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Most of the world's gypsum is produced by surface-mining operations. In the United States, gypsum is mined in about 19 states. Gypsum is widely mined and is used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms of plaster, blackboard/sidewalk chalk, and drywall. Moreover, it is used in making cement, plaster of Paris, wall plasters and mortars, sheet rock, and fertilizer. It is a mineral found in many items people use every day, such as shampoo and toothpaste. Gypsum mining is done worldwide for the formation of sedimentary rocks.

Gypsum is a mineral found in crystal as well as masses called gypsum rock. It is a very soft mineral and it can form very pretty, and sometimes extremely large colored crystals. Massive gypsum rock forms within layers of sedimentary rock, typically found in thick beds or layers. The main reason for gypsum mining is because of the limestone layers that form the caves, hills, and mountains. These deposits are also very rich in other minerals that gypsum is known for. The mining is usually carried out by a truck or tractor, and then a series of large holes are dug to reach the deposit. In most cases, the hole is deeper than fifteen feet.
For this reason, the water can be turned into a toxic sludge when it is passed through the layers of gypsum that have accumulated over years. As this sludge travels through the tunnels, it will increase in density, until it reaches the desired thickness, which is approximately two to four inches. Then, this sludge will be pumped out and the upper layers of gypsum will be replenished through a drainage system. Some people are sensitive to the gypsum mining, so arsenic and mercury are added to the drainage holes. This keeps the deposits from washing away.

Barber County is one of the most popular places in the U.S. for gypsum mining because of the accessibility and affordability of the mineral. Ashville is the largest mining area in the county, but the law has been recently changed to limit the amount that can be dug up each day. If more mining equipment are brought into use, then more land will need to be cleared. In order for the County to be successful in getting more money from the sales of mining products, strict rules must be followed. There are several regulations that must be followed by companies that mine gypsum in accordance with the rules set by the United States Gypsum Corporation.

Commercial quantities of gypsum are found in the cities of Araripina and Grajau in Brazil; in the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, Italy, Thailand, Jamaica, Pakistan, Spain (the main producer in Europe), Germany, and Iran (world's second largest producer). Therefore, gypsum mining activities are increasing at a rapid pace in these areas. In the United States, gypsum is mined in about 19 states, such as California, Texas, Nevada, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Nova Scotia is home to the world′s largest open pit gypsum mine at East Milford and also produces gypsum from Little Narrows, Cape Breton Island.

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