MINER AL S
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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OILFIELD SERVICES | TR ANSPORTATION
A MCOL IN T ERN AT ION A L
LEARN ABOUT OUR BENTONITE MINING AND RECLAMATION PROCESS
Misconceptions
There is a common misconception that all mining is created equal. AMCOL International is one of the world’s
largest producers of Bentonite clay and we achieve this without jeopardizing the environment. In fact, our expert
teams have decades of mining expertise which allow them to not only restore but rather improve the native
landscape around our reserves. When mining is done in a reckless manner, the damage to the environment
can be devastating. Here at AMCOL, our dedicated team works year round to ensure that our operations not
only protect the environment, but benefit the native species when we leave.
What is Bentonite?
Bentonite is a sedimentary deposit containing greater than 50% montmorillonite and is volcanic in origin.
Bentonite is subject to the federal laws of the 1872 Mining Act. From a commercial standpoint, there are
two primary types of natural bentonite, sodium and calcium. Sodium-Bentonite is characterized by its
ability to absorb large amounts of water and form viscous, thixotropic suspensions. Calcium-Bentonite,
in contrast, is characterized by its low water absorption and swelling capabilities and its inability to stay
suspended in water. Each type of bentonite has its own unique applications and is known as the clay of
thousand uses.
AMCOL has Bentonite applications in metalcasting, cat litter, laundry care, animal health, geosynthetic
clay liners for landfills, environmental remediation, industrial wastewater, greenroofs, water treatment
and well testing among many others.
www.AMCOL.com
2870 Forbs Avenue Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
847.851.1800 | 800.527.9948
MINER AL S
|
ENVIRONMENTAL
|
OILFIELD SERVICES | TR ANSPORTATION
A MCOL IN T ERN AT ION A L
LEARN ABOUT OUR BENTONITE MINING AND RECLAMATION PROCESS
Exploration
Our process begins with exploration. Core samples are taken and
sent to our lab for testing and grading. Several parameters are
tested in the lab to ensure the quality of the bentonite. Once the
quality and grade are established, the test areas are mapped out on
a computer generated topographic map.
Permitting
The mining process is put through a rigorous permitting process. In order
to obtain a permit we must go through several steps that keep mining and
reclamation operations accountable for their work.
The first step in the permitting process is to perform adjudication research
which addresses mineral rights and surface ownership that may be involved
in the mining operation. Overburden analysis is then performed where
samples of the overburden are taken and analyzed in a lab for potentially
toxic materials. The mining party conducts studies on archeological, soils,
vegetation, hydrology, and wildlife to ensure that there are no unusual
environmental concerns and document the existing environment for
reconstruction. The mining party must then put forth a mining plan which
outlines exactly where and how the mineral will be mined with focus on how
soil resources will be reserved.
Next a reclamation plan is produced by the mining party that establishes
what the land will look like when mining and reclamtion is complete, including
information on topography, seed mixes, water resources, etc. Lastly, a bond
is put forth on the reclamation that the state holds to ensure that the land
will be reclaimed as laid out in the reclamation plan.
www.AMCOL.com
2870 Forbs Avenue Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
847.851.1800 | 800.527.9948
MINER AL S
|
ENVIRONMENTAL
|
OILFIELD SERVICES | TR ANSPORTATION
A MCOL IN T ERN AT ION A L
LEARN ABOUT OUR BENTONITE MINING AND RECLAMATION PROCESS
Mining Process
Compared to conventional mining operations for coal and other
minerals, the mining of bentonite is performed at the surface.
Typically the topsoil/subsoil layer is 30 inches in depth. The
overburden layer consists of shaley type rock located above
the mineral reserve and ranges from 0-50 feet in depth. The
bentonite reserves are located below the overburden and range
sfrom 2-7 feet thick.
AMCOL uses a mining process known as backcasting where
reclamation is concurrently done with the mining by using the
overburden and soils from subsequent pits to fill in the ones
before them. Using this approach, the mine is reclaimed as
quickly as possible and “livespreading” the topsoil provides the
best seed-bed possible.
Once the bentonite is exposed and cleaned, further testing is
done to confirm the grade. In order to reduce the energy usage
for drying the bentonite, it is often field dried before it is taken to
the plant for processing. Once grade is confirmed the bentonite
can be stockpiled on site or transported to a processing facility
so that the reclamation process can begin.
www.AMCOL.com
2870 Forbs Avenue Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
847.851.1800 | 800.527.9948
MINER AL S
|
ENVIRONMENTAL
|
OILFIELD SERVICES | TR ANSPORTATION
A MCOL IN T ERN AT ION A L
LEARN ABOUT OUR BENTONITE MINING AND RECLAMATION PROCESS
Reclamation
The reclamation process begins by replacing the overburden and blending it into the surrounding
landscape. After the appropriate grade is achieved, the subsoil and topsoil are replaced in a timely
manner, as to maintain the health of the soils. A hybrid tillage system is then used to plant a variety of
native seeds into the soil to begin the establishment of native habitat. In this step, our reclamation team
is able to create improved seed mixes so that the reclaimed land is a more productive environment for
both livestock and wildlife species. In as little as three years, perennial grasses may be established.
Shrubs will often take a greater amount of time to establish themselves. In addition to the seed mixes,
our reclamation team can establish water features to benefit livestock and wildlife in subsequent
years.
When the vegetation is self-sustaining and can withstand grazing, the reclamation is considered
successful. On average reclamation can be achieved in a time-span of five years or less. An addtional
5-10 years needed to allow the native habitat to fully reestablish itself prior to bond release. Through
years of experience and study to determine the optimal process for reclaiming land, our reclamation
team is able to produce land conditions that are as good or better than the pre-mined environment
and are more conducive to the native species needs.
www.AMCOL.com
2870 Forbs Avenue Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
847.851.1800 | 800.527.9948