Paraguay’s geology supports a surprising mix of industrial minerals that feed local construction, ceramics and glassmaking, as well as smaller-scale manufacturing. Many deposits are worked by regional operators, linking rural departments to urban markets and steady local demand.
There are 9 Minerals in Paraguay, ranging from Clay (brick/ceramic) to Silica sand. For each entry you’ll find below data organized by Commodity type, Location (department/region), Production/Reserves (t) so you can quickly compare what is mined where and at what scale — you’ll find below.
Which minerals have the biggest local impact in Paraguay?
Aggregates, clay for bricks and ceramics, and silica sand are the most influential locally because they supply construction and manufacturing needs across the country; other minerals may be important regionally but these materials drive steady domestic demand and employment.
How should I treat the Production/Reserves (t) figures when using this list?
Treat those numbers as snapshot estimates useful for comparison: check the source and date, cross-reference government geological surveys or industry reports, and expect revisions as new exploration and reporting update reserve and production data.
Minerals in Paraguay
| Mineral | Commodity type | Location (department/region) | Production/Reserves (t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone | industrial mineral | Eastern Region (Paraná Basin); Paraguarí, Cordillera | n/a |
| Sand and gravel | aggregate | Nationwide, especially Eastern Region river valleys and Paraguay River floodplains | n/a |
| Crushed stone | aggregate | Cordillera, Paraguarí, Concepción, Itapúa | n/a |
| Granite | industrial mineral | Itapúa, Paraguarí, Central | n/a |
| Marble | industrial mineral | Itapúa, Paraguarí | n/a |
| Clay (brick/ceramic) | industrial mineral | Central, Eastern Region, Ñeembucú | n/a |
| Kaolin | industrial mineral | Eastern Region (Paraná Basin); Alto Paraná, Itapúa | n/a |
| Silica sand | industrial mineral | Eastern Region rivers and alluvial deposits | n/a |
| Dimension stone (ornamental) | industrial mineral | Itapúa, Paraguarí, Central | n/a |
Images and Descriptions
Limestone
Limestone is quarried for cement and lime production in eastern Paraguay. It is a key raw material for local cement plants and construction, occurring in Paraná Basin carbonate outcrops and supporting domestic building-supply chains.
Sand and gravel
Sand and gravel from river floodplains and terraces are the primary aggregates for Paraguay’s construction sector. Widely exploited near population centers, these alluvial deposits are crucial for roads, housing and infrastructure projects.
Crushed stone
Crushed stone from local quarries (granite, gneiss and limestone) supplies road base, concrete and construction grading. Scattered small quarries across central and southern departments make crushed rock an important locally sourced aggregate.
Granite
Commercial granite is quarried as dimension and decorative stone in southern Paraguay. Notable for domestic use and limited export, Paraguayan granite supports the ornamental stone sector and local construction finishing markets.
Marble
Marble and decorative carbonate stone occur in parts of southern Paraguay and are quarried in small volumes for interior finishes, monuments and local architectural projects, forming a niche segment of the country’s dimension-stone industry.
Clay (brick/ceramic)
Clay deposits used for bricks, tiles and ceramics are common in Paraguay’s lowlands and floodplains. Local brickworks and potteries rely on these clays, which underpin regional building-material production and traditional crafts.
Kaolin
Kaolin (white clay) occurs in eastern Paraguay and is used in ceramics, paper coating and paints. Deposits supply small-scale industry and local ceramics manufacturers, contributing to Paraguay’s nonmetallic industrial minerals portfolio.
Silica sand
Silica sand from river and alluvial deposits is used for glassmaking, foundry work and construction. Available in eastern river systems, these sands are a local source of high-silica material for industrial and construction uses.
Dimension stone (ornamental)
Various ornamental stones (polished flagstones, slabs and facing stones) are quarried regionally for local buildings and landscaping. Paraguay’s small dimension-stone operations produce materials for domestic architecture and occasional export.
