Glass sands and sandstones

2022

Resources and output

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of the glass raw materials amounted in 2022 to 655.29 million tonnes and decreased by 2.80 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The drop resulted from the output (&minus3.14 million tonnes), which from the Unewel-Zachód-Nowy was carried out also from anticipated sub-economic resources.

The anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 174.19 million tonnes, accounting for 26.58% of the total anticipated economic resources. The economic resources of the glass sands raw materials increased, in spite of the ongoing exploitation, by 8.14 million tonnes mainly as the result of a new deposit development plan (supplement) elaborated for the Unewel-Zachód-Las deposit (Łódzkie Voivodeship; +10 million tonnes) in which the total sub-economic resources were reclassified to the economic resources.

The glass sands output from 8 deposits exploited in 2022 amounted to 3,141.94 thousand tonnes and increased in comparison with the previous year by 222.49 thousand tonnes (8%). The exploitation level increased from 5 deposits (in 3 of them – several times more), whereas in the remaining exploited deposits the output level remained at the unchanged level. It is the 1st year of the output growth after 2 years of declining tendency. Still, despite the valid exploitation concession, the Wyszków-Skuszew deposit (Mazowieckie Voivodeship) is abandoned (lack of output for more than the last 10 years).

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2022.

 

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of the glass sands and sandstones are assessed to be equal 210.7 million tonnes – within the Tomaszów Basin area*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

* Galos K., 2020 – ‘Piaski szklarskie (glass sand), piaskowce szklarskie (glass sandstone), piaski kwarcowe dla przemysłu szklarskiego (quartz sand for glass industry), piaski podsadzkowe (filling sand)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 317-320. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2021

Resources and output

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of the glass raw materials amounted in 2021 to 658.09 million tonnes and decreased by 2.82 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The drop resulted mainly from the output (&minus2.92 million tonnes), slightly compensated by the approval of a new documentation with recalculated resources (the supplement no. 1) for the Mirosław AG deposit, located in Wielkopolskie Voivodeship (+0.23 million tonnes).

The anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 176.99 million tonnes, accounting for about 27% of the total anticipated economic resources. The anticipated economic resources of the glass sands raw materials increased, in spite of the ongoing exploitation, by 6.35 million tonnes mainly as the result of new deposit development plans elaborated for the following deposits: Osiecznica II (Dolnośląskie Voivodeship) (+5.08 million tonnes) and Unewel-Zachód-Nowy (Łódzkie Voivodeship) (+3.40 million tonnes), and as the result of the new exploitation concession issued for the Niedźwiada II deposit (Lubelskie Voivodeship) (+1.03 million tonnes).

The glass sands output from eight exploited in 2021 deposits amounted to 2,919.45 thousand tonnes and slightly decreased in comparison with the previous year by 36.68 thousand tonnes, in spite of the beginning of the Leszkowice 1 deposit exploitation (Lubelskie Voivodeship). The exploitation level dropped mainly due to much lower output volume coming from the Biała Góra II – Wschód deposit (Łódzkie Voivodeship; &minus401.73 thousand tonnes). In the remaining, exploited, deposits the output remained at the similar level as in the previous year or was slightly bigger. It was the 2nd consecutive year of the exploitation decrease. Still, despite the valid exploitation concession, the Wyszków-Skuszew deposit (Mazowieckie Voivodeship) is abandoned (lack of output for more than the last 10 years).

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2021.

 

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of the glass sands and sandstones are assessed to be equal 210.7 million tonnes – within the Tomaszów Basin area*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

* Galos K., 2020 – ‘Piaski szklarskie (glass sand), piaskowce szklarskie (glass sandstone), piaski kwarcowe dla przemysłu szklarskiego (quartz sand for glass industry), piaski podsadzkowe (filling sand)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 317-320. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2020

Resources and output

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of the glass raw materials amounted in 2020 to 660.91 million tonnes and increased (despite the exploitation) by 16.56 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The growth resulted from the approval of the new documentation with recalculated resources for Biała Góra I – Wschód deposit (Łódzkie Voivodeship) (+18.23 million tonnes – the growth by 99%). In the documentation the deposit range was enlarged. Moreover, there was 1 new deposit documented – Niedźwiada II located in Lubelskie Voivodeship (+1.11 million tonnes).

The anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 176.67 million tonnes, accounting for about 27% of the total anticipated economic resources. Wyszków-Skuszew deposit in Mazowieckie Voivodeship was recognized as abandoned as the exploitation has not been carried out for 10 years but the exploitation concession is still valid. The economic resources of glass sands and sandstones increased, in spite of the ongoing exploitation, by 21.37 million tonnes mainly due to the new exploitation concession issued for Wygnanów II deposit (Łódzkie Voivodeship) (+23.00 million tonnes). Moreover, the economic resources of Leszkowice 1 deposit (Lubelskie Voivodeship) were corrected.

The glass sands output from 7 exploited in 2020 deposits amounted to 2,956.13 thousand tonnes and decreased in comparison with the previous year by 4.10 thousand tonnes. It was the 1^st year with the output drop after 3 consecutive years with growth. The output increased from 4 out of 7 exploited deposits: Biała Góra II – Wschód (+247.78 thousand tonnes), Osiecznica II (+29.74 thousand tonnes), Biała Góra I – Wschód (+15.63 thousand tonnes) and Unewel Zachód-Las (+5.60 thousand tonnes). The output dropped from 3 remaining exploited deposits: Unewel-Zachód-Nowy (&minus197.33 thousand tonnes), Piaskownica-Zajączków E (&minus100.55 thousand tonnes) and Mirosław AG (&minus4.97 thousand tonnes). Still, despite the valid concession, the exploitation from Wyszków-Skuszew deposit has not been restarted.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2020.

 

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of the glass sands and sandstones are assessed to be equal 210.7 million tonnes – within the Tomaszów Basin area*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

* Galos K., 2020 – ‘Piaski szklarskie (glass sand), piaskowce szklarskie (glass sandstone), piaski kwarcowe dla przemysłu szklarskiego (quartz sand for glass industry), piaski podsadzkowe (filling sand)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 317-320. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

Resources and output

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of the glass raw materials amounted in 2019 to 644.35 million tonnes and decreased by 2.91 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses. In 2019, there were not any new geological documentations of the glass raw materials or supplements to such documentations approved.

The anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 162.28 million tonnes, accounting for about 25% of the total anticipated economic resources. The economic resources of exploited deposits dropped due to the exploitation and losses by 2.77 million tonnes.

The glass sands output from 7 exploited in 2019 deposits amounted to 2,960.23 thousand tonnes and increased in comparison with the previous year by 160.78 thousand tonnes. It was the 3rd consecutive year with the output growth and the volume was the biggest considering the 1989-2019 period. The output increased from 5 out of 7 exploited deposits: Biała Góra I – Wschód (+4.66 thousand tonnes), Osiecznica II (+29.03 thousand tonnes), Piaskownica-Zajączków E (+42.41 thousand tonnes), Unewel Zachód-Las (+80.10 thousand tonnes) and Unewel-Zachód Nowy (+39.08 thousand tonnes). The outpur dropped from 2 remaining exploited deposits: Biała Góra II – Wschód (&minus31.82 thousand tonnes) and Mirosław AG (&minus2.68 thousand tonnes). Still, despite the valid concession, the exploitation from Wyszków-Skuszew deposit has not been restarted.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2019.

 

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

The prognostic resources of the glass sands and sandstones are assessed to be equal 210.7 million tonnes – within the Tomaszów Basin area*.

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

* Galos K., 2020 – ‘Piaski szklarskie (glass sand), piaskowce szklarskie (glass sandstone), piaski kwarcowe dla przemysłu szklarskiego (quartz sand for glass industry), piaski podsadzkowe (filling sand)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 317-320. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2018

Quartz sand is the main raw material in a commercial glass production. The so-called ‘glass mass’ is obtained by melting the raw materials mixture (the set) in a glass furnace. The resulting glass sand accounts for several dozen percent of raw material in ‘glass mass’ (i.e. 72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for the glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with an appropriate granulation and a negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, sands and sandstones suitable for the glass sands production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (vicinities of Bolesławiec), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of the Biała Góra series deposits from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in a domestic base of glass sands resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of the raw material for the glass production.

Miocene glass sands deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are of the less importance for the raw material base. These deposits mainly comprise sands of the Miocene or Quaternary age.

The clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (including glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources of glass raw materials amounted in 2018 to 647.26 million tonnes and decreased by 2.68 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses. The anticipated sub-economic resources increased (by 3.8%) in the result of a new documentation with recalculated resources approved for Unewel-Zachód Nowy deposit. The documentation enlarges the deposit area by new fields – III and IV.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 165.19 million tonnes, accounting for about 26% of total anticipated economic resources. The economic resources of exploited deposits dropped due to the exploitation and losses, however there were economic resources documented for the detailed explored Leszkowice 1 deposit. The documentation of these resources was the result of issuing in 2018 the exploitation concession for the deposit.

The glass sands output in 2018 amounted to 2,799.45 thousand tonnes and increased in comparison with the previous year by 346.58 thousand tonnes. The output grew in 2 out of 7 exploited deposits: Biała Góra II – Wschód (by 201.06 thousand tonnes – 55%) and Unewel Zachód-Las (by 197.30 thousand tonnes – almost fivefold growth). The exploitation from Biała Góra I – Wschód was resumed. For two exploited deposits (Osiecznica II and Piaskownica-Zajączków E) the output was maintained at the level of the previous year, whereas the output drops were recorded the following deposits: Unewel-Zachód-Nowy (by 73.00 thousand tonnes – 12%) and Mirosław AG (by 7.58 thousand tonnes – 36%). Still, despite the valid concession, the exploitation from Wyszków-Skuszew deposit has not been restarted.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2018.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2017

Quartz sand is the main raw material in a commercial glass production. The so-called ‘glass mass’ is obtained by melting the raw materials mixture (the set) in a glass furnace. The resulting glass sand accounts for several dozen percent of raw material in ‘glass mass’ (i.e. 72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for the glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with an appropriate granulation and a negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for the glass sands production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of the Biała Góra series from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in a domestic base of glass sands resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of the raw material for the glass production.

Miocene glass sands deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are of the less importance for the raw material base. These deposits mainly comprise sands of the Miocene or Quaternary age.

The clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (including glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources of glass raw materials increased by 26.36 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 649.94 million tonnes. The growth was the result of the documentation of 2 new quartz sands deposits for the glass production: Leszkowice 1 (+3.13 million tonnes) in Lubelskie Voivodeship and Stefanów Ruszkowski I (+25.51 million tonnes) in Łódzkie Voivodeship. Other resources changes were drops due to the exploitation and losses in exploited deposits (&minus2.29 million tonnes). There was not any single new documentation with recalculated resources accepted for glass raw materials deposits.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 167.87 million tonnes, accounting for 26% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2017, the glass sands output increased in comparison with the previous year by 190.90 thousand tonnes and was equal 2,452.87 thousand tonnes. The output grew in 4 out of 6 exploited deposits, the only drop was recorded for Biała Góra II – Wschód deposit. In 2017, the exploitation started also from Unewel Zachód-Las deposit. Still, despite the valid concession, the exploitation from Wyszków-Skuszew deposit has not been restarted and the exploitation from Biała Góra I – Wschód deposit was again suspended.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2017.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2016

Quartz sand is the main raw material in a commercial glass production. The so-called ‘glass mass’ is obtained by melting the raw materials mixture (the set) in a glass furnace. The resulting glass sand accounts for several dozen percent of raw material in ‘glass mass’ (i.e. 72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass sands production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of the Biała Góra series from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in a domestic base of glass sands resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sands deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are of less importance for the raw material base. These deposits mainly comprise sands of the Miocene or Quaternary age.

Clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (including glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources decreased by 1.89 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year due to the exploitation and losses. There was not any single new geological documentation or new documentation with recalculated resources accepted for glass raw materials deposits.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 140.42 million tonnes, accounting for 23% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2016, glass sand production decreased in comparison with the previous year by 407.17 thousand tonnes and was equal 2,261.97 thousand tonnes. Still, despite the up-to-date concession, the exploitation from Wyszków-Skuszew deposit is on hold, whereas the exploitation from Biała Góra I – Wschód was restarted. In 2016, there was an exploitation concession issued for Unewel Zachód-Las deposit and therefore the economic resources for that deposit equal 19,428.70 thousand tonnnes were approved.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of glass sands and sandstones in Poland in the years 1989-2016.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2015

Quartz sand is the main raw material in commercial glass production. In that process, raw materials pass through preparation and mixing in the glass batch to be transported to the furnace and melted. The resulting glass contains about 70% to 74% silica by weight (72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of colouring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of Biała Góra deposit from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in domestic base of glass sand resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sand deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are less important for the raw material base. The deposits mainly comprise raw material of the Miocene or Quaternary age which is suitable for production of a low-quality glass only (class 3-6).

Clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (including glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

Table 1 given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources decreased by 30.58 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year, mainly due to the new documentation with recalculated resources approved for Unewel-Zachód-Nowy deposit. There was a new deposit – Unewel-Zachód-Las allocated from Unewel-Zachód-Nowy deposit. The drop within resources was also caused by the exploitation and losses. The resources increased in Osiecznica deposit (by 5.7 million tonnes) due to the new documentation approved.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 142.31 million tonnes, accounting for 23% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2015, glass sand production increased for the first time for 3-year drop and was equal 2,669.14 thousand tonnes (Table 2). The output rose in four out of five exploited deposits, the most significant growth was recorded in Biała Góra II – Wschód deposit. The exploitation remains suspended from Biała Góra I – Wschód and Wyszków-Skuszew deposits. The exploitation concessions for Biała Góra III – Wesoła and Unewel-Wschód deposits extinguished in 2015, therefore the economic resources decreased by 50% in comparison with 2014.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2014

Quartz sand is the main raw material in commercial glass production. In that process, raw materials pass through preparation and mixing in the glass batch to be transported to the furnace and melted. The resulting glass contains about 70 to 74% silica by weight (72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszowa Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of the Biała Góra deposit from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in domestic base of glass sand resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sand deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are less important for the raw material base. The deposits mainly comprise raw material of the Miocene or Quaternary age which is suitable for production of a low-quality glass only (class 3-6).

Clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (inlcuding glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

The table given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources increased by 29,57 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 656.05 million tonnes in 2014. There were two deposits documented in 2014 – Unewel Zachód-Las and Mirosław AG. The latter was allocated from Ujście Noteckie II deposit.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 204.76 million tonnes, accounting for 31% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2014, glass sand production decreased and was equal 2,070.76 thousand tonnes. There were three deposits – Biała Góra I – Wschód, Biała Góra II – Wesoła and Wyszków-Skuszew – where exploitation was suspended in 2013.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thosand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2013

Quartz sand is the main raw material in commercial glass production. In that process, raw materials pass through preparation and mixing in the glass batch to be transported to the furnace and melted. The resulting glass contains about 70 to 74% silica by weight (72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass production occur in 10 Voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszowa Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie. Resources of the Biała Góra deposit from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in domestic base of glass sand resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sand deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships are less important for the raw material base. The deposits mainly comprise raw material of the Miocene or Quaternary age which is suitable for production of a low-quality glass only (class 3-6).

Clastic rock raw materials occurrence in Poland (inlcuding glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

The table given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources increased by 4.79 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 626.48 million tonnes in 2013. There were two deposits documented in 2013: Krzeszówek (with resources equal 3.13 million tonnes) and Sulechowo 1 (10.78 million tonnes). Only one deposit – Sulechowo – was crossed out of ‘The balance…’.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 202.31 million tonnes, accounting for 32% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2013, glass sand production decreased and was equal 2,112.26 thousand tonnes. There were two deposits – Biała Góra I – Wschód and Ujście Noteckie II – where exploitation was stopped in 2013.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thosand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2012

Quartz sand is the main raw material in commercial glass production. In that process, raw materials pass through preparation and mixing in the glass batch to be transported to the furnace and melted. The resulting glass contains about 70 to 74% silica by weight (72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass production occur in 10 voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszowa Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship. Resources of the Biała Góra deposit from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in domestic base of glass sand resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sand deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships are less important for the raw material base. The deposits mainly comprise raw material of the Miocene or Quaternary age which is suitable for production of a low-quality glass only (class 3-6).

Clastic rock raw materials occurence in Poland (inlcuding glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

The table given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources decreased by 11.66 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 621.69 million tonnes in 2012. There was one deposit – Unewel Zachód – crossed out of ‘The balance…’ and two new documented deposits included – Unewel-Zachód-Nowy and Parowa 1 – Pole II,IV.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 212.15 million tonnes, accounting for 34% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2012, glass sand production decreased and was equal 2,149.7 thousand tonnes.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thosand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon

2011

Quartz sand is the main raw material in commercial glass production. In that process, raw materials pass through preparation and mixing in the glass batch to be transported to the furnace and melted. The resulting glass contains about 70 to 74% silica by weight (72% in the case of the float glass). Sand for glass production comes from deposits of quartz sands and weakly cemented quartz sandstones with appropriate granulation and negligible content of coloring oxides.

In Poland, deposits of sands and sandstones suitable for glass production occur in 10 voivodeships: Dolnośląskie (Bolesławiec area), Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie (vicinities of Tomaszowa Mazowiecki), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Świętokrzyskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships. Resources of the Biała Góra deposit from the vicinities of Tomaszów Mazowiecki have the largest share in domestic base of glass sand resources. In turn, sands from the vicinities of Bolesławiec best match quality requirements of raw material for glass production.

Miocene glass sand deposits from the area of Tarnobrzeg and sands occurring in the Lubelskie, Lubuskie (vicinities of Żary), Mazowieckie, Podkarpackie, Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships are less important for the raw material base. The deposits mainly comprise raw material of the Miocene or Quaternary age which is suitable for production of a low-quality glass only (class 3-6).

Clastic rock raw materials occurence in Poland (inlcuding glass sands and sandstones) is presented on the map.

The table given below shows resources and the current state of exploration and development of domestic sand glass deposits.

Table 1. Glass sands and sandstones – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources decreased by 3.81 million tonnes in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 633.36 million tonnes in 2011.

Anticipated economic resources of exploited deposits are equal 204.24 million tonnes, accounting for 32% of total anticipated economic resources.

In 2011, glass sand production increased and was equal 2,290 thousand tonnes.

Table 2. List of glass sands and sandstones deposits – thosand tonnes

Prepared by: Agnieszka Malon