Kaolin is a kind of clay mineral that essentially contains kaolinite. It is a very important mineral used in many manufactured products, such as: paper, porcelain, fertilizer, cosmetics and others products. In Brazil the extraction and processing of this kaolin are very important social and economic activities. On the other hand, there also exists an inherent environmental impact. Laws were passed to mitigate these impacts and today mining companies have to present environmental impact reports (EIAs/RIMAS) in which they have to include a plan for recuperating degraded areas (PRAD) to solve any future problems. From the global economic, environmental and sustainable development conscience, these kaolin mining companies operating under ISOs 9000 and 14000 regulations could have "Green Stamps" of Environmental Quality, which would give them an advantage in the national and international marketing.
Kaoling; degradation; processing