Port Calcite, Michigan

Port Calcite is often cited as the “world's largest limestone quarry” and it is certainly one of the most productive calcite mines in the nation. Calcite comes from limestone, a very common rock, but one that is close to surface in glacially scraped northern Michigan. Several especially large calcite and dolomite mines operate along the shores of the Great Lakes, where the inexpensive and heavy bulk material can be transported economically by ship and barge to its end users, many of which are also located on the shores and rivers of the region, such as paper and steel plants. Port Calcite, near Rogers City, ships as much as 10.5 million tons per year. It is owned by Carmeuse, a Belgian lime and limestone company. Stone and sand are the most common waterborne cargoes on the Great Lakes.