Korea is known as a “gallery of minerals.” It has over 400 kinds of minerals underground. Of them, over 200 kinds are of industrial value.
Korea abounds in ferrous and non-ferrous metal resources like iron, manganese, chromium, titanium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum and gold. Iron ore deposits amount to bi!lions of tons and rare earth resources in great demand worldwide are also found in profusion.
In many regions there are inexhaustible deposits of such non-metal resources as magnesite, asbestos, graphite, limestone, apatite, mica, kaolin, granite, marble and silica and such inflammable resources as anthracite, brown coal and oil shell. It is also rich in geothermal resources.
The Ongjin and Paechon are typical areas of geothermal sources. The temperature of mineral spring water on the ground in the Ongjin area is over 100°C and that in the Paechon area about 70°C.
Magnesite
Magnesite is distributed in the areas of Tanchon in South Hamgyong Province, Paegam and Unhung in Ryanggang Province and Kim Chaek in North Hamgyong Province, and Korea is renowned for its large deposits and high quality.
Modern magnesite-processing plants built in the Tanchon area mass-produce high-grade magnesia clinker and various other products.
A modern port was recently built in Tanchon to satisfy the international demand for processed magnesite.
Graphite
Graphite is inexhaustibly deposited in several regions of Korea. Korea tops the world in graphite deposits and its quality.