Ball clay, prized for its purity and versatility, plays a vital role in the world of ceramics manufacturing, providing essential qualities that enhance product performance while supporting sustainable practices. Its unique properties allow for vivid colors, intricate designs, and unmatched durability in finished products.
Ball clay, prized for its purity and versatility, plays a vital role in the world of ceramics manufacturing, providing essential qualities that enhance product performance while supporting sustainable practices. Its unique properties allow for vivid colors, intricate designs, and unmatched durability in finished products.
Nemetali is an L.L.C. for the surface exploitation of ceramic ball clay.
The primary activity of the Company is the exploitation, preparation, and sale of clay from the mine deposite “Crna Dolina” (eng. Black valley) in the near of city of Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have extensive experience in the complex exploitation of the mine deposit and in preparing clays for customers with varying quality requirements. Throughout its history, ceramic clays from the “Crna Dolina” deposit have found customers in the markets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Since its inception to the present day, “Nemetali” LLC has established itself as a capable and successful producer of quality clays.
The deposit has a favorable position regarding transportation communications. A standard-gauge railway line runs through Prijedor, providing a connection to Croatia and other EU countries. Additionally, the railway connection enables links to Serbia and the countries of the eastern Balkans. In May 2023, “Nemetali” LLC signed a “Concession Agreement for the exploitation of ceramic and brick clays at the ‘Crna Dolina’ deposit near Prijedor” with the Government of the Republic of Srpska for a period of 30 years. The total exploitable reserves at the “Crna Dolina” deposit amount to 6,100,409 tons of ceramic clay and 1,729,190 tons of brick clay.
Crna Dolina bb, Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Organized exploitation dates to 1965. By 1980, most of the produced clay was used in the ceramic tile factory and the brick products factory that were part of the then Electroceramics Combine Prijedor. From 1980 onward, the clay pit operated within the Iron Ore Mine “Ljubija” Prijedor. As ZDP “Nemetali,” it has existed since December 9, 1997, and since October 5, 2001, it has been operating as a joint-stock company.
The privatization of “Nemetali” A.D. was carried out in 2004, after which successful reconstruction was implemented, establishing an efficient organization that allows for optimal resource use in carrying out its primary activities. The change in legal form occurred in August 2024, after which the company transitioned from a joint-stock company to a limited liability company.
Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 59.90%
Al2O3 (aluminum) = 24%
Fe203 (iron) = 2%
C (organic matter) = up to 0.30%
Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 59.90%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.90%
Fe2O3 (iron) = 2.30-2.80%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.30-0.45%
SiO2 (silicon dioxide) = 58.17%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.58%
Fe2O3 (iron) = 2.80-3.50%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.40-0.45%
Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 57.01%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.30%
Fe2O3 (iron) = up to 6%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.50%
Ball clay is a critical component in the formulation of ceramic bodies, contributing to the plasticity and workability of clays, making it easier to shape and mold.
Ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of ceramics, due to its unique mineral composition, fine particle size, and high plasticity.
When used in ceramics, ball clay aids in achieving a smooth and glossy finish, giving products a sophisticated aesthetic that is highly desired in tableware and decorative items.
The low shrinkage rate of ball clay during firing minimizes cracks and defects in the finished product, enhancing overall quality and longevity.
Ball clay exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Its abundance and low cost make ball clay a budget-friendly choice for manufacturers, allowing for high-quality production without breaking the bank.
Being a naturally occurring clay, ball clay supports sustainable practices in the ceramic industries, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.
From fine china to sturdy bricks, ball’s clay versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of ceramic products, catering to both functional and artistic needs.
Ball clay is a critical component in the formulation of ceramic bodies, contributing to the plasticity and workability of clays, making it easier to shape and mold.
Ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of ceramics, due to its unique mineral composition, fine particle size, and high plasticity.
When used in ceramics, ball clay aids in achieving a smooth and glossy finish, giving products a sophisticated aesthetic that is highly desired in tableware and decorative items.
The low shrinkage rate of ball clay during firing minimizes cracks and defects in the finished product, enhancing overall quality and longevity.
Ball clay exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Its abundance and low cost make ball clay a budget-friendly choice for manufacturers, allowing for high-quality production without breaking the bank.
Being a naturally occurring clay, ball clay supports sustainable practices in the ceramic industries, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.
From fine china to sturdy bricks, ball’s clay versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of ceramic products, catering to both functional and artistic needs.
Crna dolina bb 79102 Prijedor Bosnia and Herzegovina
+387 52 242 280
+387 52 242 282
office@nemetali.com
lab@nemetali.com