You may have seen our recent updates about Kaolin and wondered what it was all about.
Our Kaolin resource is one of the most versatile minerals on the planet.
Kaolin, also known as china clay, is a naturally occurring, soft white mineral formed over millions of years from the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks. Australia is home to some of the world’s purest deposits, including at our Sandy Ridge facility in Western Australia.
So, what is kaolin used for? Plenty. It’s a key ingredient in ceramics (think fine china and porcelain), paper coatings (giving your glossy magazines that smooth finish), rubber, plastics, paints, and even pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It’s everywhere, even if you don’t see it.
But here’s something you might not know kaolin also plays a crucial role in hazardous waste management. The same properties that make it great for industrial applications, its fine particle size, chemical stability, and ability to absorb contaminants make it perfect for encapsulating and isolating hazardous materials. At Tellus’ Sandy Ridge facility, kaolin-rich clay is used to safely store and permanently isolate hazardous waste, protecting the environment for future generations.
Who knew this humble white clay could be such a powerhouse? Now, you do.