11.25 Clay Processing
Most domestic clay is mined by open-pit methods using various types of equipment, including draglines, power shovels, front-end loaders, backhoes, scraper-loaders, and shale planers. In addition, some kaolin is extracted by hydraulic mining and dredging. Most underground clay mines are located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, where the clays are associated with coal deposits. A higher ...