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Basalt Products

Mount Sylvia Diatomite crushes and screens basalt products to the required specifications using the most modern equipment available

BASALT

Mt Sylvia Diatomite P/L mines basalt from its mine at Mt Sylvia in SE Queensland. A series of basalt flows are located above the main Diatomite seam and a basalt resource of greater than 15 million tonnes has been identified.

The basalt flowed into the same lake that provided the silica saturated waters that allowed the build up of diatoms and deposition of the diatomaceous earth. The basalt flows were sourced from a volcanic vent located approximately one kilometer to the southeast of the lake.

The interaction of very hot lava with cold lake water led to the partial creation of volcanic glass that over time became unstable, devitrified and partially oxidized the basalt to form a mix of “Palagonite” and fresh basalt. The unique combination of smectite clays from the palagonite and fresh basalt has produced as a very effective road base (Unbound paving material).

The Queensland Department of Main Roads (DMR) has assessed the basalt resource and issued Mt Sylvia Diatomite with a Quarry Assessment Certificate (S106).

Consultant Engineers Coffey Mining have undertaken geotechnical tests on the roadbase aggregate. Results of their work are attached as part of the Quarry Assessment Report.

BASALT PRODUCTS

  • Cover Aggregate: 10 mm, 14mm, 16mm, 20mm.
  • Concrete Aggregate, Railway Ballast (Type 2 3)
  • Slurry Seal Aggregate
  • Unbound Paving Material (Road Base) (Type3)
  • Rock Wall (200mm-400mm)
  • Palagonite (oxidized and altered basalt)

BASALT ANALYSIS

Elemental Analysis

Palagonite Neutron Activation Elemental analysis

Albrecht and Reams Soil Analysis of the palagonite indicate quite clearly the high levels of plant available calcium, phosphorus and silica available in this rock. Palagonite also exhibits high cation exchange capacity (the ability to retain nutrients and water) and variable levels of trace elements such as copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and selenium that are important for both animal and plant health.