Guarello Island facts for kids
Native name:
Isla Guarello
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Guerello Island seen from Contreras Sound
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Geography | |
Coordinates | 50°23′S 75°20′W / 50.383°S 75.333°W |
Adjacent bodies of water | Pacific Ocean |
Administration | |
Region | Magallanes |
Additional information | |
NGA UFI=-883834 |
Guarello Island (which is Isla Guarello in Spanish) is an island located in the Madre de Dios Archipelago. This group of islands is found in the Magallanes Region of Chile.
Guarello Island is special because it sits in an area rich in limestone. This area also includes the nearby Madre de Dios Island.
Contents
The Limestone Mine
Guarello Island is home to the world's southernmost limestone mine. This mine is very important because limestone is used in many industries.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a type of rock that is mostly made of Calcium carbonate. It's often formed from the shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures. It's a very useful material!
Mining on Guarello Island
The mine on Guarello Island has a huge amount of limestone. Experts believe there's enough limestone to last for 100 years! Each year, about 600,000 tons of limestone are dug out. This limestone is very pure, with 96% of it being Calcium carbonate.
Where Does the Limestone Go?
A big part of the limestone, about half of what is produced, is sent to Huachipato. This is a place in Chile where there are large steel mills. Steel mills use limestone to help make steel. The company that owns the steel mills in Huachipato also owns the mines on Guarello Island.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Guarello para niños
- List of islands of Chile