Dolomite: A raw material for the steel and construction industries
How does Enrosadira, or alpenglow, actually occur? The composition of the rock in the Dolomites is crucial. As the name suggests, dolomite is the main component and causes the peaks to glow reddish or pink when exposed to sunlight.
In addition to its color, dolomite is also a versatile industrial mineral that is used in numerous industries. Chemically speaking, it is a double carbonate of calcium and magnesium (CaMg(CO₃)₂). Dolomite resembles limestone in appearance and properties, but is characterized by its higher magnesium content. The rock is particularly interesting for industry because it can be used both as a raw material and as a function-enhancing additive in various applications.
Fire resistance and chemical resistance
Dolomite has high temperature resistance. Calcination to dead-burned dolomite primarily produces calcium oxide and magnesium oxide; the CaO-MgO system only melts above approximately 2300 °C. In practice, dolomite therefore proves reliable at furnace temperatures above 1400 °C (e.g., ~1600 °C in steelworks). In addition, dolomite is chemically resistant to basic, lime-rich slags. This is particularly advantageous for long service life of linings.
Use in the steel and construction industries
In the steel industry, dolomite is used as a raw, calcined, or sintered material: as a basic flux for slag formation and binding of impurities. In the refractory sector, sintered dolomite (“Doloma”) is also used to manufacture bricks for converters, electric furnaces, and casting ladles.
In the construction industry, on the other hand, dolomite is used as an aggregate in concrete and asphalt, as gravel in road construction, and as a filler in various building materials.
Origin
A large proportion of the dolomite traded worldwide comes from China. China is not only the largest producer but also one of the leading consumers. Due to the large construction projects in China, dolomite is used in particular for the production of structural steel and other materials. Sintered dolomite for refractory purposes in particular is produced and exported on a large scale in China. European customers – such as steelworks and refractory manufacturers – are dependent on such imports from China. Security of supply is therefore an important issue for many producers of products containing dolomite.
A brief classification in our quartet categories is of course essential:
- Economy: Closely linked to the steel and construction industries, moderate growth (~3-5% p.a.).
- Refractoriness: High, suitable for applications above 1400 °C.
- Country of origin: China
- Sustainability: Medium, reduces fluorine use in the steel industry.
- REACH-compliant: Only for molten material, sintered material is excluded.
Our role in the global dolomite supply chain
As high-quality dolomite resources are limited in Europe, it is all the more important to ensure security of supply. As an international raw materials specialist, we act as your distributor, sales representative, processor, or strategic advisor for dolomite and other minerals. Thanks to our global network of producers and partners (BLOG: INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS LINK), we can procure high-quality dolomite or comparable raw materials for a wide range of applications and offer them at fair, market-driven prices. In line with our ESG commitment , we pay close attention to the origin and production methods of the raw materials. This is where sustainable and environmentally friendly production plus a supply chain that complies with social and ecological standards are particularly important.
The advantage for you? Even in the event of market fluctuations, varying qualities, or demanding regulations, we can ensure flexible and needs-based deliveries. We check the quality of the material, coordinate transport, and take care of customs formalities.
Do you work with dolomite or are you planning a new process? Talk to us.
Jan Freynik
Sales & Marketing Manager
I have been working at COFERMIN since October 2017. I am originally from Essen and completed my Master of Science in Sales Engineering and Product Management at the Ruhr University Bochum. With over ten years of experience in international sourcing, marketing, and sales of industrial raw materials, I feel at home in the Ruhr area, both professionally and privately.