Imerys, a group specializing in design, manufacturing and distribution of mineral-based specialties, has opened a new ceramic proppant production facility in Andersonville, Georgia.
The ceramic proppants are produced from minerals that maintain fractures in hydrocarbon reservoirs open with high mechanical strength and low density. These proppants are necessary to produce unconventional oil and gas. Imerys is already active in the oil and gas market with mineral drilling additives and Propynite rod shaped proppants. Now, the company is stepping into a new market that has potential for high growth.
The establishment of the new production unit signifies the group’s growth strategy via innovation for new and rapid growing markets. The proppant production unit required an investment of approximately $US 60 million. The unit is constructed at the Minerals for Refractories & Oilfield site in Andersonville, which has good infrastructure and easy access to mineral reserves. It has an annual production capacity of more than 100,000 t. The new production line will be fully functional by the end of year 2011, once the commissioning and production phases are completed.
Imerys’ mineral-based specialties allow clients to enhance their process efficiency and product performance. The materials have applications in a wide range of industries, including energy, ceramics, plastics, paint, paper, personal care, food and construction.
Source: http://www.imerys.com/