QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLICABILITY OF LIMESTONE AT THUNG TRUNG QUARRY, NINH BINH PROVINCE

Abstract

Ninh Binh province possesses great potential for limestone resources, particularly the carbonate formations of the Dong Giao Formation, which are widely distributed across Kim Bang, Thanh Tan, Thanh Son, and adjacent areas. Among these, the Thung Trung limestone deposit is currently being exploited for common construction materials. During mining operations, several high-quality limestone beds have been discovered that meet the specifications for industrial lime production. The limestone in the Thung Trung area exhibits relatively stable mineralogical and chemical compositions, with a high calcite content that is well-suited for industrial lime processing. Research results indicate that the limestone has an average CaO content of 52.42% and a low MgO content, making it ideal as raw material for industrial lime calcination. The rock also possesses good physicochemical properties and high durability, which are favorable for mining and processing. In addition to industrial lime production, limestone fines can be utilized to produce calcium carbonate powder for various industrial sectors. The associated dolomitic limestone can be effectively used as common construction materials. This paper otalizes the results of basic chemical sample analyses and technological sample testing to confirm the utilization potential of the Thung Trung limestone for the aforementioned applications.