Kaolin exit for BASF

BASF is to sell its kaolin minerals business, which is part of the Performance Chemicals division and is regarded as non-core, to Georgia-based minerals company KaMin. This is expected to close in 2H 2022, subject to approval by the relevant merger control authorities. The business employs about 440 people and had sales of around €155 million in 2020.

Being divested are a production hub with sites in Daveyville, Toddville, Edgar, Gordon and related mines, reserves and mills in Toomsboro and Sandersville, all in Georgia. BASF will retain the co-located refinery catalysts operations. KaMin will combine BASF’s calcine portfolio with its own hydrous products to industries including construction, automotive, agriculture, health and beauty, packaging, and speciality and graphic paper. It has three plants in Georgia and two others in Brazil and Belgium.