GENETIC MODEL OF LJUBIJA BRANDS DEPOSITS − RAW MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF MINERAL PIGMENTS

Abstract

Specific characteristics of iron ore deposits in Ljubija ore region are given
by pelitoid iron ores (,,brand“) which occupy a substantial part of iron mineral resources, on
which industrial production of natural iron oxide – pigments depends. This particular
technology type of iron ore deposits, until recently was waste from mining production, and
now when it is possible to implement new technological processes, that waste became an
important commercial product. This paper presents the results of detailed geological research
which lasted for a few years, as well as laboratory and tehnological tests. It presents
the new data on the metallogenetic characteristics of the environment where iron oxides
originate as a raw material for mineral pigments. In this paper, we answered and resolved
dilemma about brand identity in adequate genetic iron types in Ljubija mining regions,
about their specificity as well as the ore formations and geohistorical development. Through
the technological characterization of the ore and its domain of application, we provide
the basis for economic evaluation of the deposits of this very important mineral resource.