Slate resource waits to be tapped

A geological consultant based in St. John’s, Nfld., says he has outlined a 350-million-tonne slate resource on his properties on Random Island, in the eastern part of the province.

Using a conservative recovery rate of 2%, John Tuach estimates that more than seven million tonnes of high-quality purple, green and red roofing slate could be extracted from the area. Several sites are suitable for large-scale quarry development.

Tuach compares the Random Island slate deposits to the Welsh Lower Cambrian deposits, which support the world’s largest slate quarry. Previous reports and production from the Cambrian belt running through Random Island indicate that the quality of the slate is equal to or better than that from the Welsh quarries.

The world’s consumption of slate is estimated to be 500,000-700,000 tonnes. The graphitic rock sells for prices ranging from $400 to $2,000 per tonne.