BASF, a world leader in kaolin for industrial applications, and Applied Minerals, Inc., a leading global producer of halloysite clay and advanced natural iron oxides, entered into a global co-exclusive Purchase and Supply Agreement to commercialize and market halloysite clay-based products within select global markets.

Applied Minerals will exclusively supply halloysite clay to BASF for the development and sale of co-branded halloysite clay-based products to key BASF markets, including paints and coatings, inks, rubber, adhesives, paper and ceramic honeycomb catalytic substrates.

BASF will market halloysite clay-based products under a BASF trade name to customers worldwide, with profits to be shared by both companies.

BASF and Applied Minerals have also entered a Tolling Agreement under which BASF will provide specialized toll manufacturing to complement Applied Minerals’ current halloysite production capabilities.

“Applied Minerals’ knowledge and experience with halloysite clay and BASF’s innovation, processing capability and market reach creates a truly synergistic partnership,” said Dr. Shane Porzio, VP of BASF Kaolin Business. “Our customers will benefit by having access to a broader portfolio that includes halloysite clay, a high-performance mineral additive, and our line of high-quality kaolin-based pigments and functional extenders.”

Added Andre Zeitoun, president and CEO of Applied Minerals: “Applied Minerals’ halloysite clay offers a wide array of functionality to applications and markets in which BASF is a proven global leader. Our deep knowledge of the unique properties of halloysite clay, combined with BASF’s expertise and reach, will promote product development and market penetration while providing customers access to our combined solutions.”