Publications

Peat is a natural organic material of botanical origin and commercial significance. Peatlands are situated predominately in shallow wetland areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Commercial deposits are formed from the gradual decomposition of plant matter under anaerobic conditions over about a 5,000-year period.

Exploration budgets fell for a fifth successive year during 2002. These decreases reflected unsettled mineral commodity prices and the continued reluctance to invest in mineral markets.

The ammonia industry partially recovered from the effects of high natural gas prices that had closed a significant portion of the industry in 2001. Ammonia production capacity in the United States in 2002 was about 17.1 Mt (18.8 million st). About 53 percent of this capacity was centered in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas where there are large reserves of natural gas.

Seawater and natural brines accounted for about 60 percent of U.S. magnesium compounds production during 2002. Dead-burned and caustic-calcined magnesias were recovered from seawater by Premier Chemicals in Florida. They were also recovered from well brines in Michigan by Dow Chemical, Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties and Rohm & Haas. And they were recovered from magnesite in Nevada by Premier

Dimension stone can be defined as natural rock material quarried to obtain blocks or slabs that meet specifications as to size (width, length and thickness) and shape for architectural or engineering purposes. Color, grain texture and pattern, and surface finish of the stone are also normal requirements. Other important selection criteria are durability (based on mineral composition, hardness and

Part of the 2002 industrial minerals review. Statistics on gemstone production, processing, consumption, prices, and trade are provided. The outlook for gem diamonds and other precious gems is considered.

Statistics on the production, consumption, cost, trade, and government stockpile of natural and synthetic industrial diamond are provided. The outlook for the industrial diamond market is also considered.

The United States had a small quantity of fluorspar production from one mine in Utah during 2002. Most of the fluorspar consumed in the United States continued to come from imports or material purchased from the National Defense Stockpile (NDS). In addition, a small amount of synthetic fluorspar (CaF2) was produced from industrial waste streams.

Part of the 2002 industrial minerals review. Production, consumption, cost, and trade data for bentonite during 2002 are presented. Predictions on bentonite markets in 2003 are also provided.

Part of the 2002 industrial minerals review. Statistics on kaolin production, consumption, prices, and imports are provided. Other developments in the industry and the outlook for 2003 are detailed.

Part of the 2002 industrial minerals review. The production, consumption, and price of shale and common clay in the U.S. during 2002 are discussed. The impact of EPA regulations on brick and structural clay product manufacturers is also outlined.

Statistics on industrial garnet supply, demand, prices, and trade are provided. The outlook for the industrial garnet market is also predicted.