BENTONITE

The mineral with thousand uses

Bentonite is a highly absorbent, viscous plastic clay which is a valuable binding, sealing, absorbing and lubricating agent in a huge variety of industries and applications. At our ben-tonite mine we have reserves of around 5 million tons of raw calcium bentonite with the percentage of active mineral montmorillonite ranging from 70% to 95%.

ABOUT US

Bentonit is a limited liability company for the mining and sale of raw calcium bentonite, located in the municipality of Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 km southwest from Ban-jaluka). Our bentonite mines have reserves of around 5 million tons of raw bentonite with the percentage of active mineral montmorillonite ranging from 70% to 95%. At Bentonit, we are committed to delivering superior quality bentonite while prioritizing sustainable mining practices and environmental protection.

Sokolac bb, Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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PRODUCTS

Raw Calcium Bentonite: A Brief Overview

Raw calcium bentonite is a natural clay composed mainly of the mineral montmorillonite. It is formed primarily from volcanic ash that has undergone alteration due to weathering and water interaction. This clay is characterized by its fine particle size and remarkable absorbent properties. When hydrated, raw calcium bentonite can swell significantly, forming a gel-like consistency that enhances its versatility.

Due to its unique properties, such as high swelling capacity, excellent viscosity, and thixotropic behavior, raw calcium bentonite is used in a wide range of applications, including foundry application, drilling fluids, construction, agriculture, food and environmental remediation. It acts as a binder, filler, and stabilizer, making it an essential material in various industries. Its natural origin and effectiveness underscore its growing popularity across numerous sectors.

At Bentonit, we offer three distinct grades of bentonite, each characterized by varying percentages of active montmorillonite:

S1 Grade

Active Montmorillonite Percentage: 85% to 95%
Overview: This premium grade offers the highest concentration of active montmorillonite, making it ideal for applications requiring superior performance, such as drilling fluids, foundry sands, and specialized industrial uses.

S2 Grade

Active Montmorillonite Percentage: 80% to 85%
Overview: The S2 grade provides a balanced performance with good viscosity and swelling properties, suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction, agriculture, and animal feed.

S3 Grade

Active Montmorillonite Percentage: 70% to 80%
Overview: This grade serves as a cost-effective option while still offering essential properties for various uses, such as cat litter or basic construction materials and environmental applications.

Key Features and Applications
of Raw Calcium Bentonite

High Swelling Capacity

Raw calcium bentonite can expand significantly when in contact with water, making it ideal for applications that require volume enhancement.

Excellent Absorption

It has a high adsorption capacity, allowing it to capture and retain liquids and gas-es effectively.

Thixotropic Behavior

When subjected to shear stress, the clay becomes more fluid, allowing it to flow easily before returning to a thickened state when at rest.

Natural Composition

Being a natural mineral, it is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it suita-ble for various applications.

Versatile
pH Range

Raw calcium bentonite can function effectively in different pH environments, in-creasing its applicability across industries.

Applications

Foundry Applications

In foundries, bentonite is utilized as a binding agent in sand molds. Its ability to hold moisture and provide strength helps produce high-quality castings while ensuring that the molds retain their shape during the casting process.

Drilling Fluids

Used in oil and gas exploration, bentonite serves as a key component in drilling mud, providing lubrication and stabilizing the borehole.

Construction

It acts as a binder in cement and concrete, enhancing the durability and workabil-ity of building materials.

Agriculture

Employed as a soil conditioner, it improves water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability, promoting healthy plant growth.

Animal Feed

It is used in animal feed formulations as a binder and anti-caking agent, improving feed quality.

Environmental Remediation

Bentonite is effective in trapping heavy metals and pollutants,...

Pulp and Packaging

Raw calcium bentonite is used in the pulp and packaging industry as a clarifying agent and filler, enhancing the quality and performance of paper products.

Personal Care Products

Due to its absorbent properties, it is also found in cosmetics and personal care products, serving as a thickening agent and for detoxification purposes.