Salt production
Salt is a mineral that can be found in seas and underground deposits. It is an ionic chemical compound with the formula NaCl. For every gram of salt, almost 40 % is sodium (Na) and a bit over 60% is chlorine (Cl). Salt varies in colour depending on its level of purity.
Two main sources of salt
Salt is harvested directly from:
- sea water or natural brine or
- rock salt deposits formed by the evaporation of earlier seas that left a layer of rock salt (also known as halite)
Three types of salt extraction:
Each method involves specific technology and manufacturers select the most appropriate technique depending on the particular topographic and socio-economic conditions in their area of operation.
