Mining & Processing

Generally, the Bentonite mines are open cast mines and Bentonite deposits occurs below an overburden ranging from 1 to 8 meters. The overburden, thus excavated is digged out from the pit using JCB and tractor-trailers. After removing the overburden, the Bentonite layer which is in direct contact with the overburden is also removed and discarded.

• Bentonite Excavation

After reaching the Bentonite ore bed, daily mining is conducted under direct supervision of Mines supervisor to receive pure ore. Mining is done manually on selective basis, so as to avoid mixing of Bentonite with impurities when the deposits are scanty, or by employing JCB excavators and tractors when deposits permit.

• Hand Picking

The mined ore is exposed from the pit to the drying platform by tractor-trailers. The drying is done under natural sunlight. When drying, Bentonite lumps start breaking whereas non-clay lumps remain intact. The common contaminants in Bentonite are Gypsum, Quartz, Mica and Illite Clay, which are hand - picked and removed by experienced workers.