Kerametal, a.s.

In 1994 the mining rights for kaolin deposits in the Ukraine were gained by KERAMETAL a.s. and subsequently JV SP Keramnedra was founded to mine, dress/process and sell various kaolin types. The respective deposit, being primarily hydrothermal-metasomatic type, is located in the region of Beregovo and is unique in Europe in terms of mineralogy. The mining process is of the underground type using chamber method by driving the headings. The estimated reserves of kaolin deposits equaled 4.5 million tons. Underground mining was put into operation in 1995.

From the perspective of quality, the kaolin type KB3 is exploited with Al₂O₃ content 23-32% and kaolin type KB1 with Al₂O₃ content 34-38%, with relatively low iron content max. 0.5%.

Kaolin from the deposit in the Beregovo region is characterized by high whiteness (88.5%), fineness and low abrasiveness (10 MG). Thanks to these properties, the KB3 kaolin type is mainly used for white cement production and the biggest consumer of this type is HOLCIM (Slovensko) a.s. Rohoznik.

Due to higher content of alumina oxide as the main refractory element and low alkaline salts content (K₂O, Na₂O), the KB1 kaolin type is suitable for the production of refractory materials – e.g. KML bricks and masses.

All marketing and sales activities of kaolin are exclusively operated by KERAMETAL a.s. Bratislava.