Scientific Association of the European Talc Industry aisbl

Although talc is a widespread mineral, there are relatively few commercially viable deposits, with fewer than 20 mines currently in operation in Europe.

EU talc production stands in the region of 1.3 million tonnes/year. Imports and exports are limited since talc's relatively low price cannot cover the logistic costs this involves . Only some special, high quality grades are imported, principally from China and Australia, and are milled in Europe (about 6% of the market).

European producers:

Rio Tinto Minerals

(http://www.riotintominerals.com/ - e-mail: laura.jones@riotinto.com, HSE issues: eric.turner@riotinto.com)

Rio Tinto Minerals is the world's leading talc producing group with worldwide sales exceeding 1.4 million tonnes/year. In Europe, Rio Tinto Minerals owns seven talc deposits and 8  processing plants in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Austria. The Group's European operations headquarters are based in Toulouse (France). Rio Tinto Minerals is part of the leading mineral resources group Rio Tinto.

Mondo Minerals

(http://www.mondominerals.com/)

Mondo Minerals is based in Helsinki (Finland). Mondo Minerals is a joint venture between WMC Ltd (Australia) and the Plüss-Stauffer group (Switzerland). The company consolidates the European talc activities of Finnminerals OY, Westmin Talc BV and Norwegian Talc AS.

IMI FABI S.P.A.

(website under construction - e-mail: info@imifabi.com)

IMI FABI S.P.A. has its main activity in Italy, with 3 mines and 2 grinding plants. The company also has important operations in Western Australia, with the Mt. Seabrook white talc mine, a joint venture with an Australian partner, and in West Virginia (USA), home of the Zemex Fabi Benwood grinding plant , a joint venture with an American partner.