Operations
A new source of vermiculite is now in production by Regis Resources of Toronto, Canada under the trade name Vermiculite Canada. Mining has now started to exploit a unique vermiculite deposit near Cavendish in Southern Ontario. This deposit is unlike all other commercial vermiculite deposits in that it is associated with the formation of a large marble deposit and not the ultramafic igneous and metamorphic deposits found in other parts of the world.
The marble source rock of Cavendish vermiculite provides several desirable qualities. These include a low iron, light-colored product. Impurities left in Cavendish concentrates are generally soft and light-colored carbonate minerals. Due to the geology of the deposit, no asbestos or other deleterious materials are found in Cavendish ore.
Buyers of Cavendish vermiculite have evaluated 1-20 ton samples in full-scale exfoliation plants. Initial comments have been overwhelmingly favorable especially with regard to the bag yield, economics, and appearance of the exfoliated product.
Our processing
plant is now in operation and will initially produce finer sized grades of
vermiculite concentrates that will meet or exceed industry specifications.
