Georgia is one of the world's leading
producers of kaolin, which is used mostly as a source for china clay, magazine
paper coating, and in pharmaceuticals. This seminar will discuss the geologic
origins of this precious clay, the place of the kaolin industry in Georgia's
cultural history, and the environmental/economic impacts of "white
gold".
The purpose of this seminar is to
expose students to the role of the kaolin industry to Georgia and the world
(you would be surprised to know how many students here at UGA that have never
heard this industry and the role it plays in their own state). The students and
I spend much time discussing all aspects of the industry, including the
geologic origins of kaolin, the science of mining and processing
kaolin, the uses of kaolin, the role the industry plays in the Georgia and
world economy, and the general laws that surround mining and reclamation. We
visit the kaolin district and talk to people who work there. *A note to
those in the public who are concerned about views expressed in this text. The
book is used as a talking point and only constitutes a small portion of what we
discuss. Imagine teaching a course on the water resources of the western U.S.
and not having the students read the popular book Cadillac Dessert. UGA has placed many a
student into the kaolin industry and UGA has a long history of conducting
contract research
for the industry (this Professor included). If you'd like to hear more about
what is discussed in this seminar, then feel free to call me.
We meet on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45
PM in Geology room 144.
|
Date |
Topic |
|
August
18, 2011 |
Organizational
meeting |
|
August
25, 2011 |
Geology
of Georgia and origin of kaolin |
|
September
1, 2011 |
Campus
Trip to see what products kaolin is used in and where it occurs in nature. |
|
September
8, 2011 |
Trip
to CAUR to see kaolinite crystals |
|
September
15, 2011 |
Trip
to XRD lab to test kaolin |
|
September
22, 2011 |
Class
discussion about mining laws and environmental laws |
|
September
29, 2011 |
Class
discussion about economic and business of kaolin industry |
|
November
3, 2011 |
Discussion
of book by Seabrook and Louza |
|
November
10, 2011 |
Day
Trip to the Kaolin District |
|
November
17, 2011 |
Alternate
Day Trip to the Kaolin District |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For more information, call Dr. Paul
Schroeder at 706 542-2384, e-mail to schroe@uga.edu
or stop by G&G room 329.