[146] Laterite is the general name for rock of any kind that is in a thoroughly softened and decomposed state, due to alteration or weathering at the surface.
In the literature of the geology of India there are many references to bauxitic laterites, and it is reported that recently some of the Deccan bauxite deposits are being exploited.
In southwestern and eastern Australia some of the laterites are reported to be bauxitic, though so far as known no bauxite has been developed.
There is a persistent rumor, without confirmation, that bauxite has been discovered recently in China. As to this deposit no information is available.
The table below shows the world’s production of bauxite for a number of years. Although the figures give an idea of the relative importance of the deposits with respect to consuming centers, it is not believed that they represent relative importance with regard to the future. It seems unavoidable to conclude that the tropical countries hold immense reserves of bauxite and that some day the aluminum industry will be nearer the tropics than it is at present.
Table 63.—World’s Output of Bauxite, 1910-1916
(Output in tons)
| Country | 1910 | 1911 | 1912 | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 | 1916 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 148,932 | 155,618 | 159,865 | 210,241 | 219,318 | 297,041 | 425,100 |
| France | 192,913 | 250,818 | 254,851 | 304,407 | ([147]) | ([147]) | ([147]) |
| United Kingdom (Ireland) | 3,792 | 6,007 | 5,790 | 6,055 | 8,286 | 11,723 | 10,329 |
| Italy | 4,524 | 5,600 | 6,596 | 6,843 | 3,844 | 6,504 | 8,746 |
| India | 66 | 12 | 950 | 1,184 | 514 | 400 | 750 |
| Total | 350,277 | 418,055 | 428,052 | 528,730 |
[147] No statistics available.
The production of bauxite in the United States in 1917 was 568,690 long tons.