BALL CLAY
The key to exceptional ceramics and bricks
Discover Ball clay
Ball clay, prized for its purity and versatility, plays a vital role in the world of ceramics and brick 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 a limited liability company for the surface exploitation of ceramic and brick ball clays.
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.
PRODUCT
APPLICATIONS
Overview of Ball clay
Ball clay in the Ceramic and Brick 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
In brick production, ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of bricks, ensuring they withstand weathering and structural pressures.
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 such as kiln-firing ceramics and bricks.
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 and brick 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
In brick production, ball clay improves the mechanical strength and durability of bricks, ensuring they withstand weathering and structural pressures.
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 such as kiln-firing ceramics and bricks.
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 and brick 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
Clay, especially ball-ilitic clay, plays a key role in the production of ceramic tiles. Ball clay in the clay, which is rich in aluminum and silicate, gives the tiles the necessary resistance and strength. Illite contributes to the plasticity of the mixture, which facilitates molding and reduces the risk of cracking during drying and firing. This type of clay is the essential ingredient in the production of ceramic tiles and its characteristics directly affect the quality and durability of the final product.
Sanitary ceramics
Our ceramic clay plays a essential role in the production of sanitary ceramics. Our clay from the mine deposite “Crna Dolina“ can be used in the production of sanitary ware, as it is very easy to shape and has a low water absorption content.
Cement industry
As regarding to cement industry, clay is used in cement factories as one of the ingredients for the production of clinker. In this process, clay is combined with other materials, such as lime, gypsum and other minerals. Due to its plasticity and binding ability, it plays a key role in the production of cement and helps create a strong and durable building material.
Glass production
Clay in glass production is used as one of the ingredients in the process of making glass materials. It can be used to make special types of glass, such as ceramic glasses or glasses with special properties. Clay also helps to improve the properties of glass, such as heat resistance and mechanical strength. Clay also helps as a binding agent in the formation of glass products during firing.
Brick industry
At the site of Crna Dolina, in addition to ceramic clay, there is also brick clay. During its existence, Nemetali doo supplied brick clay to the “Prijedorka” factory. Brick is known for its durability, fire resistance and good insulating properties, which makes it a popular choice in construction.
Enviroment protection
Due to its physical and chemical properties that help protect the environment, clay is used as a buffer zone. Clay has the ability to retain water, which reduces the risk of leaching of harmful substances, which helps prevent contamination of groundwater. Clay acts as a physical barrier that prevents pollutants from passing from the landfill into the environment.
Cosmetics industry
Ceramic clay is often used in face masks, as it helps cleanse and detoxify the skin. It absorbs excess sebum, impurities and toxins, which helps reduce acne and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It is used in moisturizing creams and lotions, where it helps improve the structure of the product and contributes to mattifying the skin. It has a positive effect in shampoos and hair lotions due to its ability to absorb excess oil and other impurities. Adding clay to powder contributes to a smooth and silky texture, which allows for easier application and achieving an even complexion.
Art industry
Clay is one of the oldest materials used in sculpture and art. Due to its plasticity, it can be very easily shaped, baked and used to make various art pieces and functional objects. Clay as a material has a long tradition and plays an important role in many cultures around the world.
Ceramic industry
Clay, especially ball-ilitic clay, plays a key role in the production of ceramic tiles. Ball clay in the clay, which is rich in aluminum and silicate, gives the tiles the necessary resistance and strength. Illite contributes to the plasticity of the mixture, which facilitates molding and reduces the risk of cracking during drying and firing. This type of clay is the essential ingredient in the production of ceramic tiles and its characteristics directly affect the quality and durability of the final product.
Sanitary ceramics
Our ceramic clay plays a essential role in the production of sanitary ceramics. Our clay from the mine deposite “Crna Dolina“ can be used in the production of sanitary ware, as it is very easy to shape and has a low water absorption content.
Cement industry
As regarding to cement industry, clay is used in cement factories as one of the ingredients for the production of clinker. In this process, clay is combined with other materials, such as lime, gypsum and other minerals. Due to its plasticity and binding ability, it plays a key role in the production of cement and helps create a strong and durable building material.
Glass production
Clay in glass production is used as one of the ingredients in the process of making glass materials. It can be used to make special types of glass, such as ceramic glasses or glasses with special properties. Clay also helps to improve the properties of glass, such as heat resistance and mechanical strength. Clay also helps as a binding agent in the formation of glass products during firing.
Brick industry
At the site of Crna Dolina, in addition to ceramic clay, there is also brick clay. During its existence, Nemetali doo supplied brick clay to the “Prijedorka” factory. Brick is known for its durability, fire resistance and good insulating properties, which makes it a popular choice in construction.
Enviroment protection
Due to its physical and chemical properties that help protect the environment, clay is used as a buffer zone. Clay has the ability to retain water, which reduces the risk of leaching of harmful substances, which helps prevent contamination of groundwater. Clay acts as a physical barrier that prevents pollutants from passing from the landfill into the environment.
Cosmetics industry
Ceramic clay is often used in face masks, as it helps cleanse and detoxify the skin. It absorbs excess sebum, impurities and toxins, which helps reduce acne and improve the overall appearance of the skin. It is used in moisturizing creams and lotions, where it helps improve the structure of the product and contributes to mattifying the skin. It has a positive effect in shampoos and hair lotions due to its ability to absorb excess oil and other impurities. Adding clay to powder contributes to a smooth and silky texture, which allows for easier application and achieving an even complexion.
Art industry
Clay is one of the oldest materials used in sculpture and art. Due to its plasticity, it can be very easily shaped, baked and used to make various art pieces and functional objects. Clay as a material has a long tradition and plays an important role in many cultures around the world.
ABOUT US
CONTACT US
Address
Crna dolina bb 79102 Prijedor Bosnia and Herzegovina
Telephones
+387 52 242 280
+387 52 242 282
office@nemetali.com
lab@nemetali.com
NEMETALI
Company for the exploitation
of non-metallic minerals
NEMETALI JSC Prijedor
ADDRESS
Crna dolina bb
79102 Prijedor
Bosnia and Herzegovina
PHONE
+387 52 242 280
+387 52 242 282
+387 52 242 281
office@nemetali.com
lab@nemetali.com
