KAOLIN

Background The kaolin subgroup of layer silicate clay minerals includes halloysite, nacrite, dickite, kaolinite and odinite (Dana classification system). With the exception of odinite and halloysite, these industrially important minerals show the same chemical composition: Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Formed largely by the weathering of feldspar and muscovite (for example, alteration of granitic rocks), kaolin minerals are extremely common in sediments and soils of tropical and temperate regions. Kaolinite is used to manufacture a variety of brick, ceramic and cosmetic products, and as filler material in plastic, paint, rubber and paper. This and other kaolin minerals have played a prominent role in human cultural history, both in the United States and abroad. Kaolin mining has a long history in the Southeastern United States, particularly central Georgia (1897 to present), which according to its Washington county residents hosts the “kaolin capital of the world.” Key producing countries outside of the United States include Uzbekistan, Ukraine, China, India, Germany and the Czech Republic. Global players in the market include BASF SE, Sibelco and Imerys SA. Figure 1 Left: Kaolin belt through central Georgia. (Source: RESPEC, Georgia EPD) Right: Kaolin mine in Sandersville, GA. (Source: sandersvillega.org) Production and consumption Based on statistics released by the U.S. Geological Survey (2023 Mineral Commodity Summary), domestic clay production in 2022 was estimated at 26 Mt for a total market value of $1.7 billion, with approximately 120 companies operating mines in 38 states. Kaolin minerals accounted for about 4.6 kt, or about 17.7 percent of all clay materials recovered in the United States. One-half of the total kaolin produced (about 52 percent) went into development of coatings, fillers, extenders and binders, while about 25 percent was used in ceramic products. Large revenue generated by paper production has been attributed to continued economic and cultural impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: for example, increasing consumer demand for packaging, such as for food deliveries. Exports and imports In 2022, the United States exported about 2.1 Mt of kaolin minerals to Mexico, China and Japan (listed in descending order of tonnage; USGS statistics). Compared to 2021, the total clay and shale exports decreased by 4 percent. This decline has been explained by a decrease in product exported to Belgium, India and Germany. By comparison, in 2022 only 0.17 Mt of kaolin was imported into the United States. In total, kaolin exports accounted for $53.5 million, and imports $903,000, resulting in a positive U.S. trade balance of $52.6 million. Trends and outlook Academic research showed that the annual global kaolin market was approximately $4.41 billion before the end of 2022 and is projected to reach $5.87 billion by 2030. According to the same study, growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for kaolin used in the paint, plastic, paper and ceramic industries. Its high silica and aluminum contents can be utilized in the production of paint, a cheaper alternative to titanium dioxide. More cost-effective and chemically inert kaolin pigment may also reduce environmental burdens. References are available from the author.

KAOLIN

Authored by:
Keith D. Gray

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From sessions to strategy: Revealing long-term and emerging innovation trends in data analytics, intelligent systems and automation

Mining education gets federal boost as industry faces workforce crunch

Critical minerals management on the federal seabed

To view the past issues of the UCA magazine you must be a member of SME/UCA.

IODINE

KYANITE, ANDALUSITE AND SILLIMANITE

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