Buying Calcium Carbonate, Kaolin and Hydrated Lime from Malaysia

Malaysia produces a range of industrial minerals and mineral products used in paper, plastics, paint, ceramics, construction and water treatment. If you are buying ground calcium carbonate, kaolin or hydrated lime, a precise specification matters more than anything else on the quotation.

Ground calcium carbonate (GCC)

Ground calcium carbonate is made by grinding limestone or marble to a fine powder. It is used as a filler in plastics, paints, paper, adhesives and rubber, and in construction products. When requesting a quotation, specify:

Particle size: given as mesh or as a median size in microns, with the top cut if it matters.
Purity: the minimum calcium carbonate content.
Whiteness or brightness if appearance matters for your application.
Moisture content and any limits on impurities.
Coating: for example stearic acid coated grades for plastics.

Kaolin

Kaolin is a white clay used in ceramics, paper coating, paint, rubber and other products. Different uses need different grades. Ask for particle size distribution, brightness, moisture and, for ceramics, information on firing behaviour. Grades can vary a lot between deposits, so always test a sample.

Hydrated lime

Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) is used in water treatment, construction, soil stabilisation and a number of industrial processes. Specify the minimum calcium hydroxide content, fineness, moisture and any limits on impurities. Hydrated lime absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture from the air, so packing quality matters.

Always ask for a certificate of analysis

A COA from the producer, ideally issued per batch, lets you check the delivered goods against what was agreed. For important orders, arrange independent testing of a sample before shipment, and keep a retained sample.

Packing and loading

Mineral powders are normally packed in 25 kg bags or in 500 kg to 1 tonne bulk bags, on pallets or loose loaded. A 20-foot container typically carries in the region of 25 tonnes of bagged product, depending on the packing and the density of the material, so confirm the exact figure with the supplier. Ask how bags are protected from moisture, and whether pallets are fumigated or heat treated if your country requires it.

Shipping and Incoterms

Minerals are heavy, so freight and haulage affect your landed cost more than they do for most products. Compare quotations on the same basis, for example FCA or FOB at the same port. Our article on EXW, FCA and FOB explains how to do that.

Check the supplier first

Before paying, verify the producer's registration, licences and quarry or plant. Our supplier verification checklist shows how.

Source minerals through Sofiyya Resources

We match industrial buyers with Malaysian mineral producers, arrange samples and COAs, and coordinate shipment. See our industrial minerals range or request a quotation with your specification.