• Introduction
Bentonite is a naturally formed volcanic material that is mined for commercial use around the world. The main constituent, which is the determinant factor in the clay's properties, is the clay mineral montmorillonite. Bentonite is electrostatic, meaning that it naturally has an electric charge. Hence, Bentonite is used in a number of industrial cleansing applications due to its excellent absorption and adsorption properties.

• Properties
- Extracted bentonite is distinctly solid, even with a moisture content of approximately 30%.
- Bentonite is used as a bonding material in the preparation of molding sand for the production of iron, steel and non-ferrous casting.
- Used as a binding agent in the production of iron ore pellets. Through this process, iron ore fines are converted into spherical pellets, suitable as feed material in blast furnaces for pig iron production, or in the production of direct reduction iron (DRI).
- Acts as a good lubricating agent
- Excellent absorption and adsorption properties make it an ideal option for water purification.