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| What is Salt? |
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Salt, also known as table salt, or rock salt, is a mineral primarily made up of the chemical compund sodium chloride (NaCl). Salt deposits often contain other valuable minerals such as magnesium and potassium (potash), sulphates, iodides, and lithium, which are used in fertilisers, batteries and in industrial processes.
 Salt is the most widely used non-energy mineral after iron ore. It is produced in 100 countries and reportedly has up to 14,000 commercial applications. Its four main markets are for chloralkali production, synthetic soda ash production, road de-icing and food processing.
Salt is everywhere in our lives and an essential ingredient of our food. Too little salt can be harmful, which is why farmers give their cattle salt licks and people can suffer from iodine deficiency.
 According to the 2011 Ridley Salt Report, in 2009 the world produced 262 million tonnes (mt) of salt, up from 222 mt in 2003. The main growth was in Asia, with Chinese demand growing from 32 to 59 mt. In 2010, increased demand by Asian chemical markets and European de-icing markets led to a tightening of supply and higher prices.
Six countries account for more than 60 per cent of the world’s production. China overtook America in 2006 to become the largest producer, however both countries are still net importers of salt.
 The three next biggest producers are India, Germany and Canada, which export 15-30% of production, while Australia is almost totally export-oriented.
Salt production is concentrated in the hands of a small number of producers, with seven companies in 2010 producing 40 per cent of the world’s needs. The world’s largest producer is the German company K+S, followed by CNSIC in China and Cargill in America.
 On a per capita basis, Canada is the largest salt consumer worldwide, using 360kg/person, primarily for de-icing of roads during harsh winters. Australia’s per capita basis is between 44 and 66 kg/person.
Salt is certified to the ISO 9002 international standard for quality assurance. Australian and Mexican solar salt, the main sources of salt on export markets, set the industry standard for internationally traded salt. |
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