PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES OF LOCAL MINERALS IN 6 NORTHEAST PROVINCES OF THAILAND

Abstract

This research aimed to study the properties of minerals that may be potentially used for local industrial development in the areas of Roi Et, Yasothon, Buriram, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai and Udon Thani.  The results of a questionnaire indicated that the respondents’ access to data about minerals in the target areas was (59.55%), whereas the access to local data was at a lower level (51.91%). The data concerning application of local minerals was also needed at a higher level (65.51%). The minerals in the target areas included Sand, Glass Sand, Variscite, Clay, Rock and Kaolinite.

        Roi Et glass sand (REGS) and Bueng Kan Glass Sand (BKGS) were clearly fine grained, which were different from Yasothon Sand (YSSA), Buriram Sand (BRSA), and Nong Khai Sand (NKSA), where quartz was found as their main mineral. White fine Hexagonal Variscite in quartz sandstone was seen in REVC (Roi Et Variscite). Buriram clay (BRCL) contained clay soil with fine monoclinic quartz and had a diaspore microstructure texture. Bueng Kan Sandstone (BKSS) was a red fine sandstone consisting of hexagonal quartz with iron ore.  Buriram Basalt (BRBS) was fine-grained mainly and had plagioclase feldspars with other minerals such as quartz crystal. Udon Thani Limestone 1 (UDLS1) and Udon Thani Limestone 2 (UDLS2) were hexagonal calcite and had some parts that consisted of quartz. Udon Thani Kaolin (UDKL) was a clay mineral composed of monoclinic meta-halloysite. Based on the results of this study, the development guidelines of local minerals has been recommended.