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This table provides a detailed overview of the active vermiculite mines and exfoliation plants operating within the United States in 2023. Vermiculite is a valuable mineral widely used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing due to its lightweight, insulating, and fire-resistant properties. Tracking the locations and operators of these mines and plants is crucial for understanding domestic supply chains, economic contributions, and regional employment in the mineral sector. This data supports policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in assessing production capacity and planning for resource management.
In 2023, the United States maintained two active vermiculite mines, operated by Specialty Vermiculite Corp. in Laurens County, South Carolina, and Virginia Vermiculite, LLC in Louisa County, Virginia. The exfoliation segment is more extensive, with 14 plants distributed across 11 states, including notable concentrations in South Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Specialty Vermiculite Corp. also operates exfoliation plants in Arizona and South Carolina, highlighting its significant presence in the market. The geographic spread of exfoliation facilities—from Massachusetts to Arkansas—indicates a well-distributed processing network that supports regional demand. Compared to previous years, the stable number of mines alongside a diverse exfoliation infrastructure suggests a consistent domestic vermiculite industry with potential for growth in specialized applications.
| TABLE 2 | ||||
| ACTIVE VERMICULITE MINES AND EXFOLIATION PLANTS IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2023 | ||||
| Company | State | County | ||
| Mines: | ||||
| Specialty Vermiculite Corp.1 | South Carolina | Laurens. | ||
| Virginia Vermiculite, LLC | Virginia | Louisa. | ||
| Exfoliating plants: | ||||
| Ambient Minerals, Inc. | Arkansas | Saline. | ||
| Bogner and Company, Inc. | Ohio | Columbiana. | ||
| Isolatek International | New Jersey | Camden. | ||
| J.P. Austin Associates, Inc. | Pennsylvania | Beaver. | ||
| Palmetto Vermiculite Co., Inc. | South Carolina | Spartanburg. | ||
| Perlite Vermiculite Packaging Industries, Inc. | Ohio | Trumbull. | ||
| Specialty Vermiculite Corp.1 | Arizona | Maricopa. | ||
| Do. | South Carolina | Laurens. | ||
| The Strong Co., Inc. | Arkansas | Jefferson. | ||
| Thermal Ceramics, Inc. | Illinois | Macoupin. | ||
| Therm-O-Rock East, Inc. | Pennsylvania | Washington. | ||
| Therm-O-Rock West, Inc. | Arizona | Maricopa. | ||
| Whittemore Co., Inc. | Massachusetts | Bristol. | ||
Do. Ditto
1Speciality Vermiculite Corp. is a division of Dicalite Management Group, Inc.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Vermiculite statistics | Mineral commodity prices