Salt is a resource of critical importance to both humans and our planet. It is a white, odorless, crystalline mineral that is abundant in nature in a solid state, dissolved in seawater and in certain salty lakes. It mainly consists of sodium chloride (NaCl) and is obtained from natural deposits (mineral salt) or from the evaporation of salt water (sea salt).
Composition and production process
The production/supply process of sea salt
Sea salt is derived from the evaporation of seawater, either directly from the sun or artificially. Due to its natural environment, sea salt is rich in minerals and micronutrients. It is mainly composed of chlorine and sodium, as well as of calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and sulfate salts in much lower concentrations. It can be raw or processed, depending on the way it is produced.
The production/extraction process of the mineral salt
Mineral salt,also known as halite, is derived through the extraction of salt from mineral deposits. This salt is found in areas that were once seas and over time and geological rearrangements have evolved into mountains. The mineral is extracted either manually or by drilling and blasting methods from deep salt mines. It is later milled, standardized and packaged. Its purity depends on the composition of the subsoil from which it is excavated.
It is the most common type of salt on the market and is usually found in granular format.
The recrystallized salt, which is purified through chemical processes, dried (mainly by sublimation) and packaged for various uses, is also derived from mineral salt and mainly from brines.
Industry uses
Only about 5% of the world's salt production is used for human consumption, while the remaining 95% is used in the production process.
Sea salt in production process
Sea salt has a variety of applications in various industries, such as in leather processing, in husbandry, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in water treatment and road de-icing. Among its benefits is the rich composition of microelements and minerals which can provide additional benefits to products. In addition, its natural origin makes it attractive for use in natural/organic products.
Mineral salt in production process
After being processed, mineral salt has extensive use in many industries such as the chemical industry, detergent industry, textile industry, food industry and water treatment. In untreated form, but in the appropriate grain size, it is used in road de-icing due to the salt's ability to reduce the melting temperature of ice.
Benefits and environmental footprint
Sea salt and the environment
The production procedure of sea salt, which is carried out through evaporation of seawater, is relatively environmentally friendly, as it is achieved either in a completely natural way or through mild methods. In other words, it is a sustainable process. In addition, the preservation of coastal salt marshes for sea salt production supports the creation of wetlands which contribute to the ecosystem and biodiversity balance.
Mineral salt and the environment
The extraction of mineral salt may have a negative impact on the environment, as it requires more invasive and energy-intensive processes as a result of the various methods of extraction and processing of mineral salt products. For example, the removal of extraneous materials requires the use of chemicals. However, if the principles of responsible (sustainable) mining and social and environmental responsibility are followed, many of these impacts can be counterbalanced.
Dadakarides trades sea salt and recrystallised salt for a wide range of uses across the industries the company serves.