Gondwana Industrial Clays

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This study focuses on the sedimentary and residual deposits of the Tandilia System, or Sierras Septentrionales, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It provides an overview of the geology, stratigraphy, petrology, mineralogy, and industrial applications of these deposits, organized by geographic districts within the province, where significant Neoproterozoic and Eopaleozoic clay reserves are found. The majority of the Tandilia basin's sediments are currently located in South Africa due to continental breakup that began in the Jurassic period, complicating geological interpretations. The extreme age of these deposits, coupled with a scarcity of fossil remains, presents challenges, particularly due to tectonic influences that have created horst and graben structures, complicating geological correlations. Despite being 700 million years old, the physical-chemical properties of the sediments remain largely unchanged. Additionally, Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures (MISS) in tidal and peritidal deposits offer valuable insights into the origins of life on Earth. Buenos Aires province stands out as Argentina's leading non-metallic production center, with high-quality clay deposits that are easily accessible from major routes and near large consumer markets, making them vital to the local construction industry.