ABSTRACT
Although People's Republic of China asbestos consumption is unaccountably small for a country rapidly gaining in industrial stature, demand for such products appear to be rising and should reach significant levels. Chinese barite is coming to the forefront of mineral activity in view of the growing domestic market created by extensive drilling for all and gas. The Chinese cement industry is becoming a world factor. Current output of more than 30 million metric tons yearly is catching up with the leading West European countries and continuing to rise. China's small cement works have been very important in rural areas for building water-control and power-generation projects and improving farming conditions to combat the elements and unexpected adversities. The Chinese might well learn the Japanese suspension preheater system that could significantly expand production from existing facilities. In an export catalog of the China National Metals and Minerals Import and Export Corporation, many refractories are offered for sale abroad with information on specifications.
