By Jonathan Dyson, in Lima
Peruvian andalusite producer Andalucita SA is capitalising on the growing demand for aluminosilicates, with plans to almost double its production of the mineral and launch a major new product by next year.
The Lima-based company, which started operations three years ago, produces premium refractory grade andalusite, Al2O3, at 59-60% alumina, with 0.60%-0.85% iron.
Its alluvial deposit, in Paita on Peru’s north-west coast, has 120m tonnes of proven mineral reserves for andalusite production, according to company president, Carlos De Ferrari.
After the company’s andalusite is turned into refractories, around 50% is used for steel, and the other 50% for cement, glass and aluminium products, he told IM.
Andalucita, sister company of Peruvian refractories leader Refractarios Peruanos SA,...