Our Ball Clay (or plastic clays) deposits form part of the well-known Grahamstown Kaolinite complex in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Ball Clay (or plastic clays), is a kaolinitic mineral clay and a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals. It occurs generally as an aluminium silicate comprising weathered forms of quartz, mica and kaolinite.

Although similar in chemical composition, BALL CLAY is not as common as kaolin and differs substantially in physical characteristics. It has a swelling characteristic when wetted out and most critically has a plasticity (or plastic) property which provides wet strength. This makes BALL CLAY an ideal component in ceramic applications requiring binding and flexibility when wet-formed. Mined material is mainly supplied in bulk truckloads, and can be optionally crushed and bagged for customers requiring smaller quantity deliveries.

Ball Clay offers plasticity and wet-strength, good wet and dry brightness, inertness and acid resistance, heat stability, dielectric strength and stable firing colour and is used in a wide range of industrial applications including ceramics (where wet strength is required), construction ceramics (insulators, rooftiles, clay pipes etc.), refractory products and dam lining.