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1996 RECLAMATION AWARDS PROGRAM
BENNETT MINERAL COMPANY
KING & QUEEN COUNTY, VIRGINIA
 This clay mining operation is located approximately 33 miles northeast of Richmond, Virginia in a rural farming community of King and Queen County. The clay, often referred to as "fullers earth", is covered by 6-10 feet of non-commercial overburden. The clay is composed of approximately 65-70% montmorillonite clay and 30-35% diatomaceous earth. The clay is deposited in a single layer about 40 feet thick along the level fields that border the Mattaponi River.
The extracted clay material is processed into cat litter and is shipped all over the world. The clay is also sold as an oil absorbent floor-sweeping compound and as an animal feed supplememnt (this unique clay has the ability to bin, and render harmless, toxins released by moldes in the animal feed). Cat litter has been shipped as far as New Zealand and animal feed supplements have been shipped as far as Venezuela & Belgium.
 Extraction of the mineral is accomplished by a dragline. Since the mining takes place on relatively level terrain, the resulting 50 foot deep pit contains all storm water runoff and there is no problem with sediments reaching nearby streams or properties. After all mining is completed, the pit will be allowed to fill with water creating an aesthetically pleasing lake. One such water impoundment has already been created on the Walker property located to the west of the current mining area. It was released from the state mining permit in 1993.
 No mining is conducted within 500 feet of the river to assre water purity. The active pit on the Draine property is dewatered by pumping into a small pond. Water samples are taken periodically to make sure the pH levels are maintained between 6 and 9.
The processing and shipping plant is located two miles north of the clay mine. For each ton of dried clay produced, 1,500 pounds of water must be removed in the rotary kiln. Locally produced waste sawdust from lumber mills is used as feul for the heating process instead of gas or oil. Every ton of sawdust used saves approximately 60 gallons of nonrenewable fossil fuel. Air quality is also improved by avoiding the use of fossil fuels.
Previous to 1988 all screen fines and dust were transported back to the mine at considerable expense. Fines and dust resulting from the crushing & screening operations are now conveyed to a dish pelletizer to be reconstituted with water to create cat litter pellets. A very small percentage of unmerchantable clay fines produced in the processing operation are returned to the mine where the are backfilled against the pit wall. Overburden material followed by topsoil are spread over the backfilled clay. The regraded slopes are the limed, fertilized and seeded. This is a continuous process of mining backfilling, grading, and seeding.
 Mining began in the Walker parcel in 1981. The mineral extraction was concluded in 1989 and the site reclaimed in 1993. An eight acre pond was produced and 16 acres of mine disturbed land surrounding the impoundment were revegetated. Following the release of the minning permit, the landowner created a white sand beach with a pier, diving board, and gazebo to provide recreational opportunities. Lare numbers of geese and ducks fnd refuge on the pond where they are protected during the hunting season.
 At the beginning of the mining operation, Bennett Mineral Company established a screen of white pine trees at the entrance and along the state highway. When the mining moved to the adjacent Draine property, the tree screen was extended along the highway. A screening berm is currently under construction along the east side of the pit where a residence is located nearby. Bennett Mineral Company also constructed a quality chain link fence around the site when mining operations began. The gate remains locked when no one is working at the site. Danger signs are posted around the rim of the pit in case anyone should trespass onto the mine property.
There have been no Notices of Non-Compliance issued at this site.
Bennett Mineral Company has demonstrated that they are sensitive to the environment and to the community by the practices they have implemented into their mining operations. They are worthy of consideration for the 1996 Reclamation Awards Program.
Submitted by,
Richard M. Rapp
Mine Inspector
DMM
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