Bruneau Minerals drills kaolin play

Two parallel kaolinite zones have been discovered by Bruneau Minerals (ME) on its De Salaberry Twp. property, 120 km northwest of Montreal.

The zones were delineated by magnetic and electromagnetic (VLF-EM) surveys and diamond drilling. Preliminary results indicate the first zone contains 40-60% kaolin while the second, 3-10 metres away, contains 50-60% of a whiter kaolin. The two are separated by a white quartzite formation. Work to date has covered only about 10% of the project area and the surveys suggest there is potential for additional mineralization south of the property.

In its pure form, kaolin is a white, soft, plastic-like clay with low iron content. The selling price of kaolin ranges from $60 to $255 per ton, depending on the quality of the concentrate.

In 1991, world consumption of kaolin was about 23 million tons, half of which was used to produce paper. The remainder was used in the production of ceramics, plastics, rubber, paints, cosmetics, cat litter and food additives. At present, no kaolin is produced in Canada.