Production, reserves, and processing of feldspar and feldspathoid rocks in the Czech Republic from 2005 to 2019- An overview

Abstract

This paper aims to characterize and interpret the trends in reserves, resources, and mine production of feldspar and feldspathoid rocks during 2005-2019 in the Czech Republic. With over 101 Mt of total resources and 22 Mt of reserves, feldspar belongs to the crucial industrial minerals of the Czech Republic. With annual outputs of approximately 400-450 kt of feldspars and 20-35 kt of feldspathoid rocks (nepheline syenite), the Czech Republic ranks among the top European and world feldspar producers. Most of the production comes from leucocratic granitoid rocks (key active deposit: Krasno-Vysoky Kamen), followed by sedimentary rocks (key active deposit: Halamky), and granitic pegmatites (key active deposit: Luzenicky). Nepheline syenite is mined at a single deposit. All deposits are extracted from open pits (quarries). Ongoing geological prospecting and exploration for new deposits are increasing available reserves and resources. The feldspar raw materials are used in the domestic glass and ceramic industries, while more than 50% is exported, generally to Poland and Germany.