Granite is not typically considered an “ore” since it is not a primary source for metal extraction. However, granite does contain valuable minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, which are used in construction, ceramics, and other industries. In Australia, granite is primarily processed for dimension stone (e.g., slabs, tiles, countertops) and crushed stone (aggregate for construction) rather than metal recovery.
Granite Processing in Australia – Key Steps
1. Quarrying
– Granite is extracted from open-pit mines using drilling, blasting, and cutting techniques.
– Major granite quarries in Australia are located in South Australia (SA), Queensland (QLD), Western Australia (WA), and New South Wales (NSW).
2. Crushing & Screening
– For construction aggregates, granite is crushed into various sizes (e.g., road base, concrete aggregate).
– Jaw crushers, cone crushers, and vibrating screens are commonly used.
3. Cutting & Polishing (for Dimension Stone)
– Large granite blocks are cut into slabs using diamond wire saws or gang saws.
– Polishing enhances the stone’s appearance for countertops and tiles.
4. Waste Management & By-Products
– Dust and fine particles may be repurposed for landscaping or filler material.
– Some granite contains trace metals like uranium or rare earth elements, but these are rarely economically extracted.
Key Australian Granite Processing Companies
– Boral Limited – Produces crushed granite for construction.
– Rocla Quarry Products – Supplies granite aggregates.
– CDK Stone – Processes natural stone including granite slabs.
– Australian Granite & Marble – Specializes in dimension stone.
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Challenges in Granite Processing
– High energy consumption in cutting/polishing.
– Environmental concerns over dust and water usage.
– Competition from cheaper imported granite (e.g., from China and India).
Potential Value-Added Processing
While not common, some Australian research explores extracting rare minerals from granite waste. However, this remains niche due to low concentrations.
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