Extraction of salt

NACE code 08.93 covers the extraction of salt, a vital mineral that has been an essential commodity throughout human history. The salt industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing a key ingredient for a wide range of industries, from food processing to chemical manufacturing. As a natural resource, salt is extracted from various sources, including rock salt deposits, salt lakes, and seawater, making it a versatile and widely available raw material.

The main production techniques used in the salt extraction industry involve mining, evaporation, and purification. Rock salt is typically extracted through conventional mining methods, while salt from brine sources, such as salt lakes and seawater, is obtained through evaporation processes. These evaporation techniques involve the controlled evaporation of water, leaving behind the salt crystals, which are then harvested and further refined to remove impurities.

The primary inputs required for the salt extraction industry include the natural salt deposits or brine sources, as well as the equipment and machinery necessary for the mining, evaporation, and purification processes. This includes excavation equipment, evaporation ponds or tanks, and various processing and refining equipment. Energy sources, such as electricity or fossil fuels, are also essential for powering the production facilities.

The main output of the salt extraction industry is, of course, salt itself. This salt can be used in a wide range of applications, including 10.84 Manufacture of condiments and seasonings, 20.13 Manufacture of other inorganic basic chemicals, and 20.15 Manufacture of fertilizers and nitrogen compounds. The salt industry also produces various grades and types of salt, such as table salt, industrial salt, and specialty salts, each with its own unique applications and markets.