Together, Minas de Barqueiros and its associates have millions of tons of raw kaolin reserves, which, according to their location are unique but also complementary.
Minas de Barqueiros, S.A., has several mining concession agreements signed with the Portuguese State, of two 250 hectare areas that extend over the sedimentary mineral deposit of Barqueiros, Vila Seca and Gandra – 35 km north of Porto – Portugal. These deposits are essentially constituted by kaolinitic sands, preceded to the west by a level of quartzitic pebble that gradually diminishes in thickness until it disappears in the east direction.
The kaolinic levels range from extremely high degrees of whiteness to yellow, and the extraction method through excavation and transport to the most appropriate stock or washing locations is the best way to allow a good selection of the raw material.
Kaolin is extremely fine and silica sand with rounded grain. The sand in the whitest levels has an extremely reduced iron content.
The quartzic pebble is white, sometimes showing stains and fine streaks that when wet are evident, being thus called ‘chameleon pebble’. This pebble exists in various sizes.
The Mines
Barqueiros
Minas de Barqueiros, S.A., has several mining concession agreements signed with the Portuguese State, of two 250 hectare areas that extend over the sedimentary mineral deposit of Barqueiros, Vila Seca and Gandra – 35 km north of Porto – Portugal.
Vila Chã
Finally, the associated company, Campados – Caulinos do Norte, SA, has a mining concession agreement covering an area of 100 hectares in primary or residual kaolin deposits, with a coarser grain size from white to yellow and more angular silica sand, with a low content of mica and feldspar. The extraction method is identical to that of Minas de Barqueiros.
Vila Fria
The associated company, IMNP – Industria de Mineração do Norte de Portugal, S.A., has a mining concession agreement covering an area of more than 1000 hectares in sedimentary and primary or residual kaolin deposits. The extraction method is identical to that of Minas de Barqueiros.
Alvarelhos
Another associated company, CAULINALVA – Caulinos de Alvarelhos, S.A., has a mining concession agreement for the exploitation of a primary or residual kaolin deposit in the County of Trofa. Its kaolin is white-coloured and has a low sand content. The extraction method is identical to that of Minas de Barqueiros.
The Extraction
MIBAL
Kaolin (Pressed, Granulated and Powder)
For: Ceramics, Glass Ceramics, Rubber and Agrochemicals.
Supplied: in bulk, in big bags, in paper bags or tanker trucks.
Silica sand of varied grades
For: Construction, Water Treatments, Ceramics, Aquariums, Gardens, et.
Supplied: in bulk or in packs.
White Quartizic Pebble (Chameleon pebble) of various grades.
For: decoration (gardens, roads, buildings,etc)
Supplied: in bulk or in big bags.
CAMPADOS
Kaolin (Pressed, Granulated and Powder)
For: Ceramics, Glass Ceramics, Rubber and Agrochemicals.
Supplied: in bulk, in big bags, in paper bags or tanker trucks.
IMNP
Kaolin (Pressed, Granulated and Powder)
For: Ceramics, Glass Ceramics, Rubber and Agrochemicals.
Supplied: in bulk, in big bags, in paper bags or tanker trucks.
Silica sand of varied grades
.
For: Construction.
Clay (Pressed and Granulated)
For: Ceramics.
Supplied: in bulk and in big bags.
CAULINALVA
Kaolin (Pressed and Granulated)
For: Ceramics and Cement.
Supplied: in bulk, in big bags, in paper bags or tanker trucks.
Silica sand
For: Construction.
For more information and obtaining technical data sheets and possible samples, consult the “contacts” item.