Around 35 Mt of industrial clays were produced in 1994 under the broad
classifications kaolin (25 Mt), bentonite (8 Mt) and attapulgite/sepiolite (2
Mt). A brief review of world sources and markets is given as background
to Australia's small production (0.5 Mt) but developing interest in
industrial clays. Clay markets have changed significantly over the past 30 years
resulting initially in consolidation and expanded production from
traditional high-grade clay sources but also creating opportunities for
development of new discoveries. Decline in the use of clay-based
refractories has come at a time of strong growth in demand for refined
kaolin for the paper industry. Traditional markets for bentonite as oil
drilling muds, iron ore pelletising and foundry bond sands are mature and
in overall decline. Today, bentonite has a significant share of the growth
market in pet litter which a few years ago was dominated by
attapulgite/sepiolite clays. Both bentonite and attapulgite/sepiolite have
good prospects for increased demand in environmental markets both in
containment of hazardous wastes and sorption of toxic substances. In common with all industrial minerals, markets for clay minerals will
demand continuous improvement in product quality and consistency.
Development of new and improved products will be increasingly the
responsibility of the raw material supplier. In order to remain
competitive, this will require a substantial commitment to quality
assurance and research and development. Increase in market share will
come for those producers able to translate developments in their products
to cost savings or increased competitiveness for the industries that they
Supply.