Kaolin is a very common clay mineral composed mainly of kaolinite. Although it is abundant, only a few reserves in the world provide material of the high quality sold by Vale. At the moment, such reserves are restricted to Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Kaolin is considered one of the most versatile minerals and is used in many industries, to make paper, paints, ceramics, plastics, rubber, catalysts, fiberglass, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, adhesives and fertilizers.
On July 26th, Vale signed an agreement to sell its 86.2% stake in Pará Pigmentos S.A. (PPSA) and its kaolin mining exploration rights in the state of Pará to Imerys S.A. Vale is attentive to sustainable business opportunities in all the regions where it operates. Disinvestment from kaolin is part of the company’s strategy to manage its portfolio of assets. The purchaser is a major global player in this market and therefore has better scope for development and growth in the industrial minerals sector.