This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.
Objective Dolomite not only serves as an excellent oil and gas reservoir but also represents a critical non−metallic mineral resource. Dolomite ore is a vital raw material for producing metallic magnesium. China is the world's largest holder of magnesium resource reserves and the top producer of magnesium globally. Consequently, magnesium resources are considered a key strategic mineral. Investigating the characteristics, genesis, distribution, and development value of dolomite deposits is essential for safeguarding national mineral resource security.
Methods By compiling relevant domestic and international literature, this study systematically summarizes the characteristics, genetic mechanisms, distribution patterns, and utilization value of dolomite deposits.
Results Dolomite is primarily composed of the mineral dolomite, which crystallizes in the trigonal system and often exhibits rhombohedral crystal forms. Based on genetic classification, dolomite can be categorized into primary dolomite, diagenetic dolomite, and epigenetic dolomite. It is widely accepted that dolomite forms predominantly through metasomatic processes, retaining varying degrees of the original limestone structure, which may be disrupted during multiple phases of dolomitization or cementation.
Conclusions In China, dolomite deposits are distributed across nearly all geological eras, though the majority are located at significant depths, with only a fraction exposed at the surface, meeting mining requirements. Dolomite is most extensively developed in the Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata, while occurrences in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic are restricted to localized regions. Dolomite has diverse industrial applications, including use as a metallurgical flux (MgO≥15%), refractory material (MgO≥18%), raw material for magnesium extraction (MgO≥19%), cement production (MgO>18%), construction materials, pharmaceutical production of Epsom salts, agricultural fertilizers (MgO>20%), and animal feed additives. As a multifunctional non−metallic resource, China boasts abundant dolomite reserves, with metallurgical−grade dolomite resources totaling 1.875 billion tons. As the world's largest magnesium reserve holder (accounting for over 20% of global reserves) and top producer, China produced 893600 tons of primary raw magnesium in 2022, with exports exceeding 500000 tons. Magnesium resources thus hold strategic importance, and the rapid growth of the magnesium industry is expected to drive increased demand for dolomite mineral resources.
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