Mining My Own

It is more than just the small hammer mill for processing raw materials.

I keep wanting to make my own components  for making pottery and have explored many options.  Currently, I can order the components I need to make my pottery but expenses have risen for both the material and shipping costs.  The cost for the hammer mill keeps it on my someday list, but costs for mining equipment and extra storage/drying sheds removes it from the current table.   This records some thoughts.  

Mining 

I feel blessed in living in area with the Kaolin, 2 Feldspars and Silica necessary for pottery clay.  The sources are 30 to 50 miles away.  The mines are owned  by the State of Idaho.  They require a $100 permit from the State Department of Lands to remove over 100 lbs material.  

Amount of Material Used per Year

Product lbs/year

Kaolin 650 lbs

Fine clay 50 lbs

Feldspar 420 lbs

Silica 300 lbs

Ore Crusher/Hammer Mill

Currently I use components that are ground to fit through a 200 mesh screen , fine power to make my pottery.  The Crusher/Hammer Mill needs to match what I am currently using.  

K & M Krusher makes a Rock/Ore Crusher with a 3" feed chute that accepts 2.75" rocks  The unit comes with a screen that produces 100-200 mesh talcum powder and finer screens are available.   The hammers of the Crusher are driven by 1HP Electric Motor or small gas engine.   The cost is $1,699.  

It is advised a dust collector is used with the unit.  K&M Krusher recommends a Dust Deputy Deluxe System w/Bucket plus a shop vacuum to reduce atmospheric dust when grinding.  The cost is $329.  

Excavation and Mining Equipment

More to be added.

Storage and Drying Sheds

More to be added.

Safety and Dust Control Equipment

More to be added.