multi-purpose filler grade, Intrafill
Customers are supplied with filler kaolins from
this new product range, and technical resources
were made available to support the introduction
of the new filler products, and assist in optimising
their use to ensure that ongoing technical
requirements were met.
there are invariably job losses, and unfortunately
this particular exercise yielded significant
numbers in both Cornwall and Devon. At the
same time however, job opportunities have
opened up for some individuals through the
creation of new roles.
exercise was difficult for everyone and it was a
particularly emotional time over an extended
period. Even so, throughout the process, we tried
very hard to minimise the number of compulsory
redundancies in Devon and Cornwall. We worked
very closely with our employees and trade unions
as well as a number of different external
organisations including job centres, both the
local and county councils, and the Regional
Development Agency.
implemented which provided all employees
and their immediate families with access to
confidential counselling services. Attention was
also given to individual training to ensure that
where possible, departing employees had an
external qualification recognising the work they
had done within IMERYS to help them obtain a
role outside the company.
with an external outplacement specialist, Penna,
to provide a range of services, including job
search, job applications, general career advice
and help in obtaining funding for retraining."
sizeable project, starting in Cornwall...
production is now on filler kaolins, for which
our extensive natural kaolin reserves are best
suited. We have invested £25m in our UK paper
kaolin operations, to create a long-term
sustainable and cost-effective platform for the
future of these assets. Richard Hoare, Mining
Manager Cornwall Operations, who has been
heavily involved with the project commented,
"The new paper filler production platform in
Cornwall encompasses; a simplified mining
operation in the pits of Carthew and Karslake, a
single updated refining plant at Trebal producing
a range of filler pigments, and an expanded tube
press and drying plant at Rocks. In terms of
logistics, the majority of product is transported
by rail from Rocks to the port of Fowey for
onward shipment."
2006 there were some significant scope
changes including the optimisation of feed
clays to support not only Paper but also
Performance Minerals. These changes have
had a significant benefit to both businesses in
terms of overall mineral recovery. To optimise
plant efficiency there were also process
flowsheet changes such as the inclusion of
mechanical thickening equipment.
project, the timeline for construction and the
evolving changes, the project teams involved,
including our engineers, operations, technical
and support people as well as our contractors,
worked extremely hard and made a tremendous
effort to ensure the project was completed
efficiently, safely and on time. The new processes
at Trebal Refiner were completed and
commissioned during September 2007. The
newly commissioned tube press plant at Rocks
is the largest of its kind in the world."