Aspects of Marine Placer Minerals: Economic Potential of Coastal Deposits in Italy, Testing Procedures and Market Conditions

Abstract

Three subjects in the broad field of the utilization of marine placer minerals are discussed,

First, investigations of beaches and shallow waters of the Italian peninsula indicate the existence of heavy mineral placer deposits at several sites. Results of the research carried out in these areas during the past few years by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche imply that potential resources of commercially useful heavy minerals exist at these locations. These deposits have not been explored sufficiently, however, to establish whether they are economically significant.

Secondly, such economic evaluation is strongly dependent on the laboratory-based testing procedures that have to be suitably configured to approach a commercial separation process.

Finally, a review of present market conditions and a projection of future trends for placer minerals indicate that the economically most significant heavy minerals found in Italian marine placers are rutile, rare earths and cassiterite.