BALL CLAY

The key to exceptional ceramics

Discover Ball clay

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

The key to exceptional ceramics

Discover Ball clay

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.

ABOUT US

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.

ABOUT US

HISTORY OF
ORGANIZATION

LOCATION

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.

PRODUCTS

CLAY CD-1

Description

Light gray plastic clay, without visible impurities.

Chemical characteristics:

Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 59.90%
Al2O3 (aluminum) = 24%
Fe203 (iron) = 2%
C (organic matter) = up to 0.30%

CLAY PC-2P

Description

Light gray plastic clay, with small, almost non-existent, yellow interlayers and occasional occurrences of carbonaceous pieces.

Chemical characteristics:

Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 59.90%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.90%
Fe2O3 (iron) = 2.30-2.80%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.30-0.45%

CLAY CD-2

Description

Light to dark gray clay, with yellow interlayers, occurrences of coal and fine quartz sand.

Chemical characteristics:

SiO2 (silicon dioxide) = 58.17%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.58%
Fe2O3 (iron) = 2.80-3.50%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.40-0.45%

CLAY CD-3

Description

Higher impurities clay.

Chemical characteristics:

Sio2 (silicon dioxide) = 57.01%
Al203 (aluminum) = 23.30%
Fe2O3 (iron) = up to 6%
C (organic matter in clay) = 0.50%

PRODUCT

APPLICATIONS

Overview of Ball clay in Ceramic industry

01.

Essential Ingredient

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.

02.

Enhancing Strength

Ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of ceramics, due to its unique mineral composition, fine particle size, and high plasticity.

03.

Glossy Finish

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.

04.

Low Shrinkage

The low shrinkage rate of ball clay during firing minimizes cracks and defects in the finished product, enhancing overall quality and longevity.

05.

Temperature Resistance

Ball clay exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

06.

Cost-Effective

Its abundance and low cost make ball clay a budget-friendly choice for manufacturers, allowing for high-quality production without breaking the bank.

07.

Sustainable Resource

Being a naturally occurring clay, ball clay supports sustainable practices in the ceramic industries, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.

08.

Varied Applications

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.

01.

Essential Ingredient

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.

02.

Enhancing Strength

Ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of ceramics, due to its unique mineral composition, fine particle size, and high plasticity.

03.

Glossy Finish

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.

04.

Low Shrinkage

The low shrinkage rate of ball clay during firing minimizes cracks and defects in the finished product, enhancing overall quality and longevity.

05.

Temperature Resistance

Ball clay exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

06.

Cost-Effective

Its abundance and low cost make ball clay a budget-friendly choice for manufacturers, allowing for high-quality production without breaking the bank.

07.

Sustainable Resource

Being a naturally occurring clay, ball clay supports sustainable practices in the ceramic industries, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.

08.

Varied Applications

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.

INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS:

Ceramic industry

Ceramic industry

Ball clay, rich in aluminum and silicate, is crucial in ceramic tile production. It provides resistance and strength, while illite enhances plasticity, aiding in molding and minimizing cracking during drying and firing. The characteristics of this clay directly influence the quality and durability of the final tiles.

Cement industry

Cement industry

In the cement industry, clay is a key ingredient in clinker production, combined with lime, gypsum, and minerals. Its plasticity and binding properties are essential for creating strong and durable cement.

Brick industry

Brick industry

At Crna Dolina, both ceramic and brick clay are found. Brick is valued for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, making it a popular construction material.

Enviroment protection

Enviroment protection

Its water retention ability reduces harmful leaching, preventing groundwater contamination, and it serves as a barrier against pollutants from landfills.

Cosmetics industry

Cosmetics industry

Ceramic clay is used in face masks to cleanse and detoxify the skin. It's also included in moisturizing creams and shampoos production.

Art industry

Art industry

In the art industry, clay is one of the oldest materials for sculpture, valued for its plasticity, which allows easy shaping and baking for various artistic and functional creations, reflecting a rich cultural history.

Ceramic industry

Ceramic industry

Ball clay, rich in aluminum and silicate, is crucial in ceramic tile production. It provides resistance and strength, while illite enhances plasticity, aiding in molding and minimizing cracking during drying and firing. The characteristics of this clay directly influence the quality and durability of the final tiles.

Cement industry

Cement industry

In the cement industry, clay is a key ingredient in clinker production, combined with lime, gypsum, and minerals. Its plasticity and binding properties are essential for creating strong and durable cement.

Brick industry

Brick industry

At Crna Dolina, both ceramic and brick clay are found. Brick is valued for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, making it a popular construction material.

Enviroment protection

Enviroment protection

Its water retention ability reduces harmful leaching, preventing groundwater contamination, and it serves as a barrier against pollutants from landfills.

Cosmetics industry

Cosmetics industry

Ceramic clay is used in face masks to cleanse and detoxify the skin. It's also included in moisturizing creams and shampoos production.

Art industry

Art industry

In the art industry, clay is one of the oldest materials for sculpture, valued for its plasticity, which allows easy shaping and baking for various artistic and functional creations, reflecting a rich cultural history.

CONTACT US

Address

Crna dolina bb 79102 Prijedor Bosnia and Herzegovina

Telephones

+387 52 242 280
+387 52 242 282

Email

office@nemetali.com
lab@nemetali.com

NEMETALI

Company for the exploitation
of non-metallic minerals
NEMETALI L.L.C. Prijedor

ADDRESS

Crna dolina bb
79102 Prijedor
Bosnia and Herzegovina

PHONE

+387 52 242 280
+387 52 242 282
+387 52 242 281

EMAIL

office@nemetali.com
lab@nemetali.com

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