Expansion of the “Bocksloch” open-cast clay mining to include the qualities “Blue white fat” and “White semi-fat”
Lasko has been operating the “Bocksloch” pit since 1993 and extracts approx. 50 000 t clay from this mining field each year. Through the expansion of the “Bocks-loch” open-cast clay mining, Lassmann KG, whose registered office is in Wirges, is extending its range of clays in the qualities “Blue-white fat” and “White semi-fat” at the North Eifel site in the greater Cologne/Bonn area (near Euskirchen in Satzvey).
The expansion of the officially approved “Bocksloch” open-cast mine is situated to the east of the Antwiler boundary and thus adjoins the area already completely mined and recultivated. Key characteristics of the clay mined are an exceptionally white fired colour, high green strength, a low coefficient of expansion and high plasticity.
To secure the long-term supply of raw materials for the deposits, the pit was expanded by an area of 6.0 hectares in 2010 and, thanks to large-scale stripping operations, extended from 250 000 m³ to a depth of 35 m within 12 months. The clay is approx 15.0 m thick.
As a result, the company is in a position to offer 2 500 t of highly plastic, kaolinite (fireclay) and super-white-firing clay per month. In future, the raw clays and their blends will form the basis for whitewares production. These will be used particularly in the tile industry.
The exploratory drilling as well as initial mining work confirm the quality of the raw materials. The snow-white fired colour of the clays as well as the favourable grain structure guarantee maximum production safety and new opportunities in colouring.
The re-cultivation work in the old area of the pit has been largely completed. As a result, an area of four hectares has already been given over to agricultural use. Lassmann KG is therefore remaining true to its policy of returning old areas to their original state as quickly as possible. The company’s aim is to fill in the complete old area of the Bocksloch pit by 2013 and to make it available for agricultural use.
The expansion of the deposits is a further step in Lassmann’s strategy of developing sites close to their customers. The shipping facilities in Godorf provide access to all forms of transport and enable reliable delivery to all customers.
The clays and blends are tried and tested or established with manufacturers in the ceramics industry and the customers are highly satisfied with the success of the quality improvements to their products.
