Damon Mcknight
Gypsum is a naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulphate found and used on every continent. In Australia, gypsum is mined in South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales. South Australia is the country's largest producer of gypsum, with an estimated production of 4.4 million tonnes in 2013, accounting for 80% of the country's total production. Gypsum is used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, and pottery, and is known for its ability to lose and regain its water of crystallisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kalannie in Western Australia, Broken Hill district in New South Wales, Swan Hill Rural City in Victoria, South Australia |
| Production in South Australia | 4.4 Mtonne in 2013, which was 80% of the total Australian production |
| Uses | Treating sodic soils, manufacturing plaster products, sculpturing plasters, medical and dental uses, pottery |
| Owner | Gypsum Resources Australia (GRA) |
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What You'll Learn
Gypsum deposits in South Australia
Gypsum is found across the world, including in Australia, where it is present in all states of the Commonwealth. However, deposits of commercial importance are limited to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. South Australia is the major producer, providing approximately 80% of the total Australian production.
In the deeper parts of lakes in South Australia, such as Lake MacDonnell on the far west coast, selenite domes containing aragonite pelletoids were deposited from a stable gypsum-saturated brine. As the salina filled with sediment, seasonal salinity changes became more rapid, leading to the formation of laminated gypsarenite. Deposits like Spider Lake on the southern Yorke Peninsula only formed gypsarenite due to rapid salinity changes and unstable bottom brine salinity, which was unsuitable for selenite formation.
South Australia's gypsum deposits are also used for industrial purposes, particularly in the manufacture of plaster products. Gypsum is heated to form the hemi-hydrate form of calcium sulfate, known as Plaster of Paris, which can then be spread, cast, or molded for construction, sculpturing, and other applications. Gypsum Resources of Australia Pty Ltd has operated a deposit since 1984, stockpiling the mineral to reduce salt content through rainwater leaching before transporting it for further processing.
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Gypsum mining in Western Australia
Gypsum is a naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO42H2O) that is widely used in manufacturing plaster products, including wall and ceiling boards, mouldings, and blocks for construction. It is also used in sculpturing plasters, medical and dental uses, and pottery. In Western Australia, gypsum deposits can be found in several locations, including:
- Lake Lefroy, Widgiemooltha, Coolgardie Shire
- Selenite Lake Goongarrie, Comet Vale, Menzies Shire
- Selenite Salt Lake City, Aldiss-Karonie, Mount Monger Goldfield, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Shire
- Selenite Water Tank Hill Gold Mine, Boogardie Goldfield, Mount Magnet, Mount Magnet Shire
- Kalannie
In addition to Western Australia, gypsum can also be found in other parts of the country, including South Australia and New South Wales. South Australia, in particular, is a significant producer, contributing approximately 80% of the total Australian production in 2013. The Lake MacDonnell region on the far west coast of South Australia is known for its gypsum deposits, with selenite domes and large gypsum prisms formed through evaporation in a stable gypsum-saturated brine.
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Gypsum's uses in agriculture
Gypsum is a naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO42H2O) mineral. It is the most common sulfate mineral and is deposited from lake and seawater, hot springs, volcanic vapours, and sulfate solutions in veins. It is commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, Jamaica, Iran, Thailand, Spain, Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. In Australia, gypsum deposits are found in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
Gypsum has been used in the construction and tile manufacturing industries for centuries. However, it is now gaining popularity in agriculture due to its ability to improve soil quality and crop yield. Here are some of the key uses of gypsum in agriculture:
Improving Soil Structure and Water Retention
Gypsum helps improve soil structure, making it easier for water to penetrate the soil and enhancing water retention. This is especially beneficial during droughts, as it helps crops survive by capturing and utilising rainwater more effectively. The improved soil structure also helps prevent erosion.
Treating Sodic Soils
Agricultural gypsum is used to treat sodic soils, which are characterised by waterlogging, increased runoff, poor water storage, surface crusting, and cultivation and erosion issues. The calcium in gypsum displaces the sodium, allowing it to be leached deeper into the soil. This improves water infiltration and drainage, promoting better root growth.
Source of Calcium and Sulphur for Plant Nutrition
Gypsum is a source of calcium and sulphur, which are essential for plant nutrition. Calcium helps flocculate clays in acid and alkaline soils, while sulphur is important for crop production. The addition of soluble calcium can also improve the calcium-magnesium ratio in soils, promoting better soil structure and plant growth.
Preventing Diseases
Gypsum is used to prevent various plant diseases. For example, it helps prevent blossom-end root in watermelons, bitter pit in apples, and root rot in avocado trees caused by Phytophthora. It is also preferred over lime for controlling scab in potatoes grown in acid soils.
Enhancing Forage and Livestock Quality
Pastures and forage land can benefit from the use of gypsum. It improves soil quality and increases nutrient availability, leading to enhanced forage quality and improved livestock health.
Gypsum is applied to crops and fields based on the specific soil and crop requirements, and it is recommended to conduct a soil test before application. The rate of application can vary depending on the type of soil and crop, and gypsum can be distributed by spreading it over the soil or adding it to the irrigation system.
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Gypsum's role in construction
Gypsum is a naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulphate mineral (CaSO4·2H2O) that has been used in construction for centuries. It is a soft, fine-grained mineral composed of water molecules in its crystal structure, which gives it its unique properties. Its main use is in the manufacture of plaster products, drywall, and cement, which are commonly used in homes, offices, and other buildings.
One of the critical properties of gypsum is its fire resistance. The water content within its crystals is released as steam when exposed to high temperatures, inhibiting the spread of flames. This makes gypsum an ideal material for walls and ceilings, providing a vital layer of protection in buildings. It is also used in ornamental plasterwork, creating intricate mouldings, cornices, and ceiling designs, especially in classical and neoclassical architecture.
Gypsum is also an excellent sound insulator due to its porous structure, which helps absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels. This makes it perfect for use in residential and commercial buildings, where privacy and reduced ambient noise are essential. Additionally, gypsum is a durable material that is resistant to mould, mildew, and pests, making it a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for construction.
The inherent strength and lightweight composition of gypsum make it a versatile building material. It can be moulded into different shapes and sizes, adding elegance and improving the aesthetics of interior spaces. Gypsum is also recyclable and non-toxic, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Its use in drywall and plaster provides thermal insulation, reducing energy costs and contributing to more energy-efficient buildings.
Overall, gypsum plays a crucial role in modern construction, providing structural integrity, fire resistance, sound insulation, and aesthetic appeal to buildings. Its unique properties and versatility make it a preferred material in the construction industry.
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Gypsum's global presence
Gypsum is a common mineral with a global presence. It is the most common naturally occurring hydrated calcium sulfate (CaSO42H2O). It is deposited from lake and sea water, hot springs, volcanic vapors, and sulfate solutions in veins. It is also formed as a by-product of sulfide oxidation.
Gypsum is found in commercial quantities in Brazil, Pakistan, Jamaica, Iran, Thailand, Spain, Germany, Italy, England, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Fort Dodge, Iowa, is home to one of the world's largest gypsum deposits. Other large open-pit quarries can be found in Plaster City, California, and East Kutai, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Small mines exist in Western Australia, where gypsum is sold to private buyers for agricultural purposes, and in South Australia, where it is used as a fertiliser.
Gypsum is a key material in construction and decorative applications, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is used in the manufacture of plaster products, including wall and ceiling boards, mouldings, and blocks, as well as in sculpturing plasters, medical and dental uses, and pottery. The largest gypsum industry is in construction, where drywall and plasterboard manufacturers seek cheaper, fire-resistant materials.
The global gypsum product market is dominated by Saint-Gobain, which offers an extensive range of products such as plasterboards and jointing compounds. Other major players include Knauf Gips KG, a strong rival in the drywall, insulation, and building solutions market, and USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer in North America.
The annual Global Gypsum Conference is the largest meeting of gypsum professionals, attracting producers from around the globe. The Global Gypsum Magazine is recognised as the world's leading journal dedicated to the gypsum industry and is required reading for industry participants.
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Frequently asked questions
Gypsum can be found in South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales.
Gypsum has been found in the following locations in Australia:
- Lake MacDonnell, South Australia
- Pernatty Lagoon, Mt Gunson, South Australia
- Swan Hill, Victoria
- Kalannie, Western Australia
- Broken Hill, New South Wales
Gypsum is used in the manufacture of plaster products, including wall and ceiling boards, mouldings, and blocks for construction use, as well as sculpturing plasters, medical and dental uses, and pottery. It is also used in agriculture to treat sodic soils.
Gypsum Resources Australia (GRA) owns a mine in Lake MacDonnell, South Australia, where gypsum is mined using bulldozers and excavators. It is then stockpiled for several years to allow salt to leach out from natural rainfall before being transported by train to the port of Thevenard.
