Mining Process | GA Kaolin Mining | Arcilla Mining & Land

Our Mining Process

Learn more about how we mine from start to finish

The Kaolin Belt

Kaolin is one of the many industrial minerals mined in Georgia today. The commercially mineable kaolin deposits are found in a relatively narrow “belt” along the Fall Line. The kaolin mining industry has located its processing facilities in the communities near the deposits, primarily in the nine rural counties between Macon and Augusta. Highly technical equipment and processes are employed to transform the crude kaolin into high quality products which are marketed around the world for a wide variety of applications.

Exploration, Drilling, Sampling and Testing: 1-3 years

Kaolin mining begins with exploration. Based on local stratigraphy, geologists identify lands with potential for mineable deposits. Landsmen negotiate with the landowner for the rights to explore and mine. Contracts usually take the form of mineral leases that pay royalties or options to purchase. Commercial quality deposits are located by surveying, drilling, sampling and testing. Because of contaminants and extreme overburden, only a portion of the land explored contains commercial quality kaolin.

Locating the Mine by Survey: 1-3 years

The exact location of the opening to be made in the earth is laid out on the ground. The opening is referred to as a “cut” and its location and dimensions are based on the survey, drill and test information developed during exploration of the land.

Securing a Mining Permit: 1-6 months

Before moving any earth, a mining permit must be secured from the State. Company mining engineers and geologists develop a written mining and reclamation plan with maps and photographs. The plan is submitted to the State for evaluation and approval and contains measures for erosion and sediment control and protection of adjacent land and water resources. The reclamation plan includes grading and contouring the land and establishing a permanent vegetative cover. Frequent 9 inspections are made to assure compliance with the approved plan.

Site Preparation, Environmental Protection, and Overburden Stripping:
1-12 months

Following State approval, the landowner removes any merchantable trees from the mining site. Erosion and sediment control structures are built. These usually take the form of berms, sediment fences and impoundments for collecting run-off water and sediments. When these structures are in place, stripping of earth or overburden can begin according to the mining plan. Mining cuts are usually 2-5 acres in size.

Ponds, Lakes, and Wildlife

When mining is completed, the last mine cut may be made into a lake or pond if sufficient water is available. Construction must be approved by the State as a part of the reclamation plan. The water is fertilized to produce a desirable environment for fish and waterfowl and usually stocked with bream and bass and sometimes catfish.

The Cycle is Complete

The volume and quality of the deposits, as well as market applications, usually determine the life of a kaolin mine. Blending of low and high quality deposits conserves and extends reserves, but requires the simultaneous operation of several mines over many years. The objective of kaolin mining is to profitably extract a useful and beneficial industrial mineral and then to return the land to a stable and productive use. Reclamation completes the cycle. The land again produces renewable resources such as timber and agricultural products, wildlife and fish, and recreation for present and future generations.