Presentation prepared by:Ramesh karki,Mining Geology 2 nd Semester

Introduction
Kaolin
Kaolin, also known as china clay,
is a natural clay formed by
chemical weathering of aluminum Figure:Kaolin Specimern XRD pattern of kaolin
silicate minerals like feldspars.
It is relatively pure clay
predominantly consisting of
kaolinite (Al2 Si2O5 (OH)4. T
he major use of crude china clay
in the country is in Cement
Industry and of processed china
clay is in Ceramic Industry.

Figure:Structure of kaolin
Physical Properties

Crystal habit

White to cream and pale-yellow, also often stained

Colour
various hues, tans and browns being common.

Streak White, or paler than the sample.

Hardness 2 – 2½

Luster Waxy, Pearly, Dull, Earthy

Cleavage Perfect on {001}.

Diaphaneity Translucent, Opaque

Crystal System Triclinic

Tenacity Flexible but inelastic

Density 2.63 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal, Sub-Conchoidal,

Fracture
Micaceous
Uses of Kaolin
Geotechnical
Medical Engineering

Archaeolo
Cosmetic
gy

Agriculture Others

Industrial
Uses
Below are other kaolin clay properties.

•Chemistry: In its natural mineral state, kaolin’s chemical formula is Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Kaolinite is an aluminum silicate
mineral that develops through chemical weather of aluminum rich feldspars contained in granites and pegmatites.

•Structure: Kaolin composition consists of hexagonal crystals ranging in size from 0.1 to 10 micrometers. These crystals
form in stacked layers, and this kaolinite structure partially gives the clay its desirable properties.
Due to kaolin’s chemical and structural composition, its natural properties are highly desirable for industrial uses.

•Chemically inert: Kaolin has a neutral pH level, making it ideal for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial
mixtures because it doesn’t alter the product’s chemical composition, or promote bacterial growth.

•Adsorbent: One of kaolin clay’s primary uses is to aid in the adsorption of other substances. Kaolin clay is naturally
highly adsorbent, so it can help extract and remove undesirable impurities, pathogens or other substances in any given
mixture or application.

•Non-swelling: Between each layer of kaolinite crystals are hydrogen bonds that prevent water molecules from infiltrating
the layers. This ability to prevent water from penetrating kaolin’s crystal structure gives it non-swelling properties. Non-
swelling is a valuable property of additives like kaolin, so they don’t alter the physical properties of the mixture or product
in question.
Figure:Kaolin extraction Figure:An open kaolin mine in Georgia

Kolin extraction process

 P
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Kaolin Deposit in Czech Republic,Europe
Figure:kaolin Mineralization and Rainfall
Occurrence and Parent material
Kaolin occurs in hydrothermal, residual and
sedimentary deposits.
It forms at relatively low temperature and
pressure. It is formed by the weathering of
feldspar rich granite or pegmatite.
These rocks break down, the feldspar minerals
within then undergo chemical weathering, a
process where they are gradually broken down
into smaller particles and transformed into clay
minerals, kaolinite, halloysite, dickite and
nacrite.
Processing kaolin
To process Kaolin, there are two different
types of processes involved, which are (1)
wet process and (2) dry process.

The wet process is basically used when

impurities of the silica content in the crude or
raw kaolin are on the high side.

The dry process follows the sequence of

drying, crushing, sifting (sieving) and bagging
of raw kaolin.
Status in Nepal
The Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) is responsible for mineral exploration and
management. Detailed exploration for kaolin has been conducted by the DMG at
Naliban ,kharka, panchamane and Dalchap with the objective of locating suitable clay for
ceramic industry.
Future Prospects
- Enhanced Exploration: Implementing advanced techniques like core drilling and geophysical surveys for
accurate resource assessment.
- Infrastructure Development: Building necessary infrastructure near deposits to facilitate efficient mining and
value addition
- Strategic Investment: Encouraging domestic and international investment through favorable policies,
streamlined regulations, and clear resource potential data
- Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between government, academia, and private sector for knowledge
sharing, capacity building, and technology transfer.
- Sustainable Practices: Adopting environmentally responsible mining methods, incorporating community
engagement, and ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Kaolin Clay Industry Overview
The industry outlook for Kaolin clay is good. The world demand is forecasted to grow over the next few years for all
industrial minerals.

This clay is used in various products that people come in contact with daily like paper and cement.
Kaolin which looks like white clay is typically found on the surface no deeper than 500 feet below the ground.

Once this clay mineral has been removed from the earth the mined site must be restored up to regulation standards.

Another method to get kaolin is dredging up the east coast of the United States. North and South America make up the
majority of all kaolin deposits.

Kaolin Market
•kaolin is mainly used in paper industry where it faces strong
competition from calcium carbonates
•while paper is the largest application segment, ceramics is the
fastest growing one
•Uzbekistan is the largest manufacturer of crude kaolin
•Asia Pacific is the main consuming region
•the market is expected to grow driven mainly by demand from
developing countries (China, India, Malaysia)
•non-traditional applications (plastics, pharmaceuticals) will post
Kaolin: 2024 World Market Review and Forecast
growth
to 2033
Promising Potential
- Global Demand: The global kaolin
market is projected to reach USD 10.27
billion by 2027, driven by increasing
demand in various sectors, presenting an
opportunity for Nepal to capitalize on.
- Geological Diversity: Nepal's varied
geology suggests the presence of
undiscovered kaolin deposits, further
expanding its resource base.
- Untapped Resource: Current exploration
and utilization levels remain low, offering
significant room for growth and
economic development.