Description

Sodium Bentonite Powder is a clay mineral which is largely composed of Montmorillonite, which is mainly a hydrous aluminum silicate. It is highly colloidal and plastic clay with the unique characteristic of swelling to several times its original volume when placed in water.

Mining then begins by removing the overburden from the mineral deposit with the use of large earth movers. The overburden is then stockpiled nearby for reclamation after the Bentonite has been removed from the bed. When contact with the bed is made, extreme care is taken to avoid contaminating the mineral deposit with the overburden, thus insuring the highest quality raw material.

Care must also be taken to conserve as much Sodium Bentonite as possible when trimming the overburden from the Bentonite. When all the Bentonite has been removed from the bed, reclamation can begin. The surface of the mine site must be returned to equal or superior condition. The habitat for plant and animal is very important as are all other environmental considerations.

PROCESSING

The Bentonite from each bed is stockpiled and thoroughly tested to insure the highest quality for all our products. It is then carefully dried and ground to meet all the product specifications. The finished product is stored in silos to await packaging and shipping to our prospective customers.