Refractory clays

2022-07-15

2024

General information and occurrence

Kaolinite clays called as refractory clays are an indispensable raw material for the production of aluminosilicate fire resistant materials. They are also used for the production of ceramic tiles and sanitary articles. Such clays originate in the result of wash down of outcropping and near-surface kaolinized rocks and a redeposition of kaolinite, connected with a separation of quartz grains and a marked improvement of fire resistance properties of that raw material.

The basic components of the refractory clays are kaolinite clays, characterized by a high plasticity and with the ability to form a ceramic body with a high mechanical strength. The fire resistance of such clays should be minimum of 1,650 °C.

From the dozen or so documented deposit in Poland, there are only 2 exploited deposit of refractory clays: Rusko-Jaroszów (Dolnośląskie Voivodeship, Świdnicki County) and Borkowice-Radestów (Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Przysuski county). The output from the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit has been carried out for years, whereas the exploitation from the Borkowice-Radestów deposit started in 2020.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources of refractory clays as of 31.12.2024 amounted to 51.51 million tonnes and decreased by 0.06 million tonnes (0.12%) in comparison with 2023. The resources drop resulted from exploitation and exploitation losses Anticipated economic resources covered by detailed exploration (in A+B+C₁ categories) were equal 51.02 million tonnes. They accounted for 99.05% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 0.84 million tonnes accounting for 1.63% of the total anticipated economic resources and 22.58% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits. The economic resources decreased in comparison with the previous year – by 0.06 million tonnes (6.67%) as a result of exploitation and exploitation losses.

In 2024, output of refractory clays was equal 59.61 thousand tonnes and increased by 1.40 thousand tonnes (2.41%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). For the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit there was output growth recorded – by 5.90 thousand tonnes (32.40%), whereas for the Borkowice-Radestów deposit there was drop noted – by 4.50 thousand tonnes (11.25%). The exploited raw material may be used in a natural state or after processing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2024.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

In The balance of prospective mineral resources of Poland the assessment of resources prospective for refractory clays in Poland was updated*. The main criteria adopted for determining the refractory clays deposits were: the deposit thickness (minimum of 1 m) and the overburden to the deposit thickness ratio (N/Z maximum of 2), in addition the qualitative raw materials parameters: fire resistance (minimum of 161 sP) and the grains >0.063 mm content (maximum of 10%). Taking these parameters into account, the prognostic resources of refractory clays were assessed to be equal 56.90 million tonnes (within the Udanin area in Dolnośląskie Voivodeship).

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

* Galos K., 2020 – ‘Iły biało wypalające się (white-firing clay, ball clay), kamionkowe (stoneware clay, ceramic clay) i ogniotrwałe (refractory clay, flint clay)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 335-329. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2023

General information and occurrence

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of refractory clays as of 31.12.2023 amounted to 51.57 million tonnes and decreased by 1.58 million tonnes (2.97%) in comparison with 2022. The resources drop resulted from: an approval of a new documentation with recalculated resources for the Borkowice-Radestów deposit (-1.57 million tonnes), the exploitation and exploitation losses The anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B+C₁ categories) were equal 51.08 million tonnes. They accounted for 99.05% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 0.90 million tonnes accounting for 1.75% of the total anticipated economic resources and 23.81% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits. The economic resources decreased in comparison with the previous year – by 0.06 million tonnes (6.25%) as a result of the exploitation and exploitation losses.

In 2023, the output of refractory clays was equal 58.21 thousand tonnes and decreased by 28.32 thousand tonnes (32.73%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). For both exploited deposits, the exploitation levels dropped significantly. For the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit by 15.32 thousand tonnes (45.69%), whereas for the Borkowice-Radestów deposit by 13.00 thousand tonnes (24.53%). The exploited raw material may be used in a natural state or after processing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2023.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2022

General information and occurrence

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of refractory clays as of 31.12.2022 amounted to 53.15 million tonnes and decreased by 0.09 million tonnes (0.17%) in comparison with 2021. The resources drop resulted from the exploitation and exploitation losses. The anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B+C₁ categories) were equal 52.66 million tonnes. They accounted for 99.08% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 0.96 million tonnes accounting for 1.81% of the total anticipated economic resources and 17.88% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits. The economic resources decreased in comparison with the previous year – by 0.09 million tonnes (8.57%) as a result of the exploitation and exploitation losses.

In 2022, the output of refractory clays was equal 86.53 thousand tonnes and decreased by 27.67 thousand tonnes (24.23%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploitation from the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit dropped significantly – by 35.67 thousand tonnes (51.55%), whereas from the Borkowice-Radestów deposit it slightly increased (by 8.00 thousand tonnes – 17.78%). The exploited raw material may be used in a natural state or after processing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2022.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2021

General information and occurrence

From the dozen or so documented deposit in Poland, there are only two exploited deposit of refractory clays: Rusko-Jaroszów (Dolnośląskie Voivodeship, Świdnicki County) and Borkowice-Radestów (Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Przysuski county). The output from the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit has been carried out for years, whereas the exploitation from the Borkowice-Radestów deposit started in 2020.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of refractory clays as of 31.12.2021 amounted to 53.24 million tonnes and decreased by 0.84 million tonnes (1.55%) in comparison with 2020. The resources drop resulted from the exploitation and losses (−0.11 million tonnes) and elaboration of a new documentation with recalculated resources (supplement) for the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (−0.80 million tonnes). The supplement was prepared due to assignation of the Pole Południowe area from the deposit boundaries – in this area the exploitation ended as of 31.12.2020 as the resources had been depleted. The anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B+C1 categories) were equal 52.75 million tonnes. They accounted for 99.08% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 1.05 million tonnes accounting for 1.97% of the total anticipated economic resources and 19.27% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits. The economic resources decreased in comparison with the previous year – by 0.77 million tonnes (42.31%) as a result of the new deposit development plan (supplement) approval for the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (−0.72 million tonnes) and the exploitation and losses.

In 2021, the output of refractory clays was equal 114.20 thousand tonnes and increased by 50.86 thousand tonnes (80.30%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploitation from the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit grew by 13.86 thousand tonnes (25.05%), whereas from the Borkowice-Radestów deposit it increased more than 5-fold (it means by 37.00 thousand tonnes). The exploited raw material may be used in a natural state or after processing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2021.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2020

General information and occurrence

From the dozen or so documented deposit in Poland, there are only two exploited deposit of refractory clays: Rusko-Jaroszów (Dolnośląskie Voivodeship, Świdnicki County) and Borkowice-Radestów (Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Przysuski county). The output from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit has been carried out for years, whereas the exploitation concession for Borkowice-Radestów deposit was issued in 2020.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources of refractory clays as of 31.12.2020 amounted to 54.08 million tonnes and decreased by about 0.06 million tonnes (0.11%) in comparison with 2019 due to the exploitation. The anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B, C₁ categories) were equal 53.41 million tonnes. They accounted for 98.76% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 1.82 million tonnes accounting for 1.94% of the total anticipated economic resources and 28.89% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits. The economic resources significantly increased in comparison with the previous year – by 0.77 million tonnes (73.33%) as the result of the deposit development plan approval for Borkowice-Radestów (+0.82 million tonnes) and the exploitation.

In 2020, the output of refractory clays was equal 63.34 thousand tonnes and increased by 20.46 thousand tonnes (47.71%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit grew by 12.46 thousand tonnes (29.06%) and the exploitation from Borkowice-Radestów deposit started (8 thousand tonnes). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2020.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

* Galos K., 2020 – Iły biało wypalające się (white-firing clay, ball clay), kamionkowe (stoneware clay, ceramic clay) i ogniotrwałe (refractory clay, flint clay). In: Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r. (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 335-329. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

General information and occurrence

From the dozen or so documented deposit in south-western and central Poland, the only one exploited deposit of refractory clays (Rusko-Jaroszów), is situated in the Lower Silesian region – Dolnośląskie Voivodeship.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Resources and output

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

The anticipated economic resources as of 31.12.2019 amounted to 54.14 million tonnes and decreased by about 0.05 million tonnes (0.09%) in comparison with 2018 due to the exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit.

The anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B, C₁ categories) were equal 53.47 million tonnes and accounted for 98.76% of the total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 1.05 million tonnes (1.94% of the total anticipated economic resources and 92.92% of the anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits). The economic resources decreased by 0.05 million tonnes (4.55%) in comparison with the previous year.

In 2019, the output of refractory clays was equal 42.88 thousand tonnes and decreased by 27 thousand tonnes (38.64%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2019.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

In The balance of prospective mineral resources of Poland the assessment of resources prospective for refractory clays in Poland was updated*. The main criteria adopted for determining the refractory clays deposits were: the deposit thickness (minimum of 1 m) and the overburden to the deposit thickness ratio (N/Z maximum of 2), in addition the qualitative raw materials parameters: fire resistance (minimum of 161 sP) and the grains >0.063 mm content (maximum of 10%). Taking these parameters into account, the prognostic resources of refractory clays were assessed to be equal 56.90 million tonnes (wihitn the Udanin area in Dolnośląskie Voivodeship).

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2018

Kaolinite clays are characterized by a high plasticity and when fired at the temperatures over 1,500 °C they form ceramic bodies with a high mechanical strength. A very low content of calcium and magnesium compounds is very advantageous as it results in a rise of melting point of these clays. In turn, the presence of iron compounds results in a yellow to brownish and red color of the refractory clays.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the refractory clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.19 million tonnes in 2018 and decreased by about 0.07 million tonnes (0.13%) in comparison with 2017 due to the exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (0.07 million tonnes).

Anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B, C1 categories) were equal 53.51 million tonnes and accounted for 98.75% of total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources of refractory clays were equal 1.10 million tonnes (2.03% of total anticipated economic resources and 94.02% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits). Economic resources decreased by 0.07 million tonnes (5.98%) in comparison with the previous year.

In 2018 the output of refractory clays was equal 70 thousand tonnes and increased by 7 thousand tonnes (11.11%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna SA (PGE GiEK SA) informed that the exploitation of refractory and ceramic clays from non-documented deposits (so-called exploitation points) in the KWB Turów Mining Plant amounted in 2018 to 0.51 thousand tonnes.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2018.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2017

From the dozen or so documented deposit in south-western and central Poland, the single exploited deposits of refractory clays (Rusko-Jaroszów deposit), is situated in the Lower Silesian region. In 2017, there was the concession for the exploitation of the raw material from Chwaliszowice deposit (Lubuskie Voivodeship) extinguished.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.26 million tonnes in 2017 and decreased by 0.05 million tonnes (0.09%) in comparison with 2016 due to the exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (0.06 million tonnes) with the resources growth in this deposit equal 0.01 million tonnes.

Anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B, C₁ categories) were equal 53.58 million tonnes and accounted for 98.75% of total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources were equal 1.17 million tonnes (2.16% of total anticipated economic resources and 94.35% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits). Economic resources decreased by 0.42 million tonnes (26.42%) in comparison with the previous year.

In 2017 the production of refractory clays was equal 63 thousand tonnes and decreased by 12 thousand tonnes (16.00%) in comparison with the previous year (Table 2). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2017.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2016

Kaolinite clays called as refractory clays are an indispensable raw material for the production of aluminosilicate fire resistant materials. They are also used for the production of ceramic tiles and sanitary articles. Such clays originate in the result of wash down of outcropping and near-surface kaolinized rocks and redeposition of kaolinite, connected with separation of quartz grains and marked improvement of fire resistance properties of that raw material.

Kaolinite clays are characterized by a high plasticity and when fired at temperatures over 1,500 °C they form ceramic bodies with a high mechanical strength. A very low content of calcium and magnesium compounds is very advantageous as it results in a rise of melting point of these clays. In turn, the presence of iron compounds results in yellow to brownish and red color of the refractory clays.

The single exploited deposits of refractory clays (Rusko-Jaroszów deposit), is situated in the Lower Silesian region. The second largest deposit is called Kryzmanówka and is located in Mazowieckie Voivodeship.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.31 million tonnes in 2016 and decreased by 0.06 million tonnes in comparison with 2015 due to the exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (0.08 million tonnes) with resources growth in this deposit equal 0.02 million tonnes.

Anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A+B, C₁ categories) were equal 53.63 million tonnes and accounted for 98.7% of total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources were equal 1.59 million tonnes (2.9% of total anticipated economic resources and 60.7% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits).

In 2016 the production of refractory clays was equal 75 thousand tonnes and decreased by 12 thousand tonnes (13.8%) in comparison with the previous year (table 2). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

The figure given below shows changes in domestic resources and production of refractory clays in Poland in the years 1989-2016.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2015

Kaolinite clays called as refractory clays are an indispensable raw material for production of aluminosilicate fire resistant materials. They are also used for production of ceramic tiles and sanitary articles. Such clays originate in result of wash down of outcropping and near-surface kaolinized rocks and redeposition of kaolinite, connected with separation of quartz grains and marked improvement of fire resistance properties of that raw material.

Kaolinite clays are characterized by high plasticity and when fired at temperatures over 1,500 °C they form ceramic bodies with high mechanical strength. Very low content of calcium and magnesium compounds is very advantageous as it results in a rise of melting point of these clays. In turn, presence of iron compounds results in yellow to brownish and red color of the refractory clays.

The single exploited deposits of refractory clays (Rusko-Jaroszów deposit), is situated in the Lower Silesian region.

Refractory clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.36 million tonnes in 2015 and decreased by 0.11 million tonnes in comparison with 2014 due to the exploitation from Rusko-Jaroszów deposit (0.09 million tonnes) and crossing Czerwona Woda deposit out from ‘The balance…’ (0.02 million tonnes).

Anticipated economic resources covered by the detailed exploration (in A, B, C₁ categories) were equal 53.68 million tonnes and accounted for 98.8% of total anticipated economic resources.

Economic resources were equal 1.65 million tonnes (3% of total anticipated economic resources and 61.6% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits).

In 2015 production of refractory clays was equal 87 thousand tonnes and increased by 4 thousand tonnes (4.8%) in comparison with the previous year (table 2). The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2014

Kaolinite clays called as refractory clays are an indispensable raw material for production of fire resistant materials. Such clays originate in result of wash down of outcropping and near-surface kaolinized rocks and redeposition of kaolinite, connected with separation of quartz grains and marked improvement of fire resistance properties of that raw material.

The single exploited deposits of refractory clays (the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit), is situated in the Lower Silesian region.

Refracotry clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.47 million tonnes in 2014 and were by 0.09 million tonnes lower than in 2013.

Economic resources were equal 1.73 million tonnes (3.2% of total anticipated economic resources and 62.7% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits).

In 2014 production of refractory clays was equal 83 thousand tonnes and decreased by 4 thousand tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Marcin Tymiński

2013

The single exploited deposits of refractory clays (the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit), is situated in the Lower Silesian region. The second largest deposit is called Kryzmanówka and is located in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. This deposit was not exploited in 2013.

Refracotry clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.56 million tones in 2013 and were by 0.09 million tonnes lower than in 2012.

Economic resources are equal 2.62 million tonnes (4.8% of total anticipated economic resources and 56% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits).

In 2013 production of refractory clays was equal 87 thousand tonnes and decreased by 5 thousand tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Janina Dyląg

2012

Kaolinite clays called as fire-proof clays are an indispensable raw material for production of fire resistant materials. Such clays originate in result of wash down of outcropping and near-surface kaolinized rocks and redeposition of kaolinite, connected with separation of quartz grains and marked improvement of fire resistance properties of that raw material.

Refracotry clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.65 million tonnes in 2012 and were by 0.1 million tonnes lower than in 2011.

Economic resources are equal 2.71 million tonnes (5% of total anticipated economic resources and 57% of anticipated economic resources within exploited deposits).

In 2012 production of refractory clays was equal 92 thousand tonnes and decreased by 17 thousand tonnes in comparison with the previous year. The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called ‘fired clays’.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Janina Dyląg

2011

The largest of the exploited deposits of fire-proof clays, the Rusko-Jaroszów deposit, is situated in the Lower Silesian region and the second largest deposit, – Kryzmanówka – in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. The remaining fireproof clay deposits are not exploited at present.

Refracotry clays deposits are presented on the map.

Table 1 shows the current state of exploration and development of the fireproof clay resources.

Table 1. Refractory clays – million tonnes

Anticipated economic resources amounted to 54.75 million tonnes in 2011 and were by 0.11 million tonnes lower than in 2010.

Economic resources are equal 2.81 million tonnes (5% of total anticipated economic resources).

In 2011 production of refractory clays was equal 109 thousand tones and increased by 38 thousand tones in comparison with the previous year. The exploited raw material may be used without any processing or after firing, as the so-called fired clays.

Table 2. List of refractory clays deposits – thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Janina Dyląg