The Process
The first step of producing salt on an industrial level is mining, where salt is extracted from underground or from saltwater sources such as brine pools or salt lakes. Once the salt is extracted, it goes through a purification process to remove impurities and contaminants. This purification usually involves dissolving the salt in water, filtering out any insoluble particles, and evaporating the water to obtain pure salt crystals.
To mine and make salt, various equipment is used depending on the location and method of extraction. In underground mining, large machines called continuous miners are used to cut and extract salt deposits, which are then transported to the surface using conveyor belts or mining vehicles. In saltwater sources, machinery like pumps, pipelines, and evaporation ponds are used to extract salt through the process of evaporation.
After the salt is purified and dried, it is packaged and shipped to stores. Salt packaging typically involves using plastic bags or various types of containers with proper labeling and sealing to ensure proper storage and transportation. The packaged salt is then loaded onto trucks or shipping containers and transported to distribution centers or directly to stores. From there, it is distributed to retailers to be sold to consumers.
Being aware of the production process helps us appreciate the efforts made by food manufacturers to meet the growing demand for salt whilst maintaining high standards. Overall, the process of producing salt on an industrial level involves mining, purification, packaging, and transportation. Various equipment and machinery are used throughout the different stages to ensure the production of high-quality salt that is ready to be packaged, shipped, and eventually used by consumers.
