Clays – A Review of 1992 Activities

Ball clay production in 1991 amounted to about 800 kt (880,000 st), about the same as in 1990. 1992 estimates show a 5% decrease to 750 kt (827,000 st). This decrease continued a trend of reduced production that began after the peak of 900 kt (1 million st) that occurred in 1988. Use of ball clay in sanitary ware was about 2% less in 1992, although levels of use in floors and wall tile, dinner ware and pottery remained constant. Filler, extender and binder applications continued to be important end uses, accounting for about 17% of total market. Refractory uses maintained their market share of about 17 kt (18,700 st). Use of clay liners in toxic and waste dumps is an application widely found in Germany. However, its use has not been fully exploited in the United States. This could represent an opportunity for domestic clay producers. Tennessee remained the leading source of ball clays. Other producers were Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Texas. Tennessee's production, however, decreased about 3% in tonnage produced and its value dropped from 68% to 65% of total production. The ceramics division of Southern Clay Products, Inc., was bought from LaPorte plc by United Clays of Texas, Inc., a US subsidiary of Watts Blake Bearne & Co. The purchase included ball clay reserves at Troup, TX. The acquisition makes United Clays the second largest ball clay producer in the United Sates. United is also the only company mining clay in Texas. Fire clay production decreased 5%