Mining and International Trade of Gypsum

Gypsum is a mineral salt of significant industrial and commercial importance, primarily used in the production of plaster and cement and as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Despite this, there are few works in the literature on gypsum, especially on topics related to its mining and international trade. This book aims to partly fill this gap by providing a synthesis of current knowledge on gypsum including its chemical composition, properties, genesis, global deposits, extraction methods, processing, main industrial applications, and international markets. The book also includes an analysis of Mauritania’s experience in this field, a country that possesses one of the world's largest gypsum deposits. In addition, the book provides a concrete example of opportunities and challenges related to the valorization of mining resources in Africa and accessing international markets.Designed for a broad professional audience, this book also advocates for an increased use of gypsum-based products to replace Portland cement in some applications. Indeed, given gypsum's circularity, recyclability, and low carbon footprint, this shift could contribute to sustainable development.