Analisis Geokimia Batugamping sebagai Bahan Baku Semen di PT Semen Padang Sumatra Barat

Abstract

Limestone is the primary raw material for cement production because of its high carbonate content as a source of CaO. This study evaluates geological conditions and limestone quality in the IUP 329 area of PT Semen Padang, Lubuk Kilangan, Padang, West Sumatra. The methods comprised geological field mapping, petrographic analysis, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, followed by statistical analysis and bivariate plots to examine relationships between compounds. The study area comprises volcanic and anthropogenic landforms, with sandstone, tuffaceous sandstone, granite intrusions, and Jurassic crystalline limestone, as well as northwest–southeast-trending joints. Geochemical analysis of 14 samples showed high CaO content, while SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and MgO contents were relatively low. CaO ranged from 52.55% to 55.82%, with an average of 54.62%. The relationships between CaO and other oxides indicate limestone with a high degree of purity. The results support the suitability of limestone in the study area as a primary raw material for cement production.