kaolin

Kaolin, a staple of papermaking for centuries, is a significant part of these developments. Kaolin suppliers have historically drawn from major deposits in the U.S. (Georgia and South Carolina) and the U.K. (Cornwall, England) but have always kept an eye on other deposits throughout the world. In the mid-1990s, several suppliers began to draw from deposits in Brazil. And while the amount of kaolin mined from Georgia deposits has declined in the past few years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, mining has increased in Brazil. Now these clays can be found in product throughout the world. China is the third biggest kaolin producer in the world and the output reached 3.7 million tons in 2003. Great quantities of kaolin primary products are exported each year. Major export destinations include Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan Province and Macao. Nevertheless, there is a supply shortage of high-quality kaolin in the domestic market, especially coatings grade varieties for papermaking and filler-grade varieties for paint production. Import has to be made from the United States, Britain and New Zealand.