UNIQUE MINERAL REMOVES CONTAMINANTS FROM AIR AND WATER

Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral found in volcanic ash. Photo is courtesy of Ray Paquette, CEO of Canadian Mining.

By Rebecca Mathews

Zeolite is a unique mineral. Ray Paquette, CEO of Canadian Mining is an expert on its applications. His

company owns one of the largest Zeolite properties in North America today.

Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral found in volcanic ash. Zeolites are typically comprised of silicon,

aluminum and oxygen. What makes zeolites notable is their crystalline structure perforated by

microscopic pores. These pores allow zeolites to act as natural filters.

“They (zeolites) have the ability to take in heavy metals, chemicals and other free radicals while their high

ion exchange capacity means they can absorb plant nutrients and improve fertilizer efficiency,” Paquette

explains. “These unique properties make Zeolite an effective absorber of heavy metals and toxins like

lead, cadmium, selenium, mercury, barium, chromium, cesium, copper and many others”, he adds. In

contaminated soil, Zeolite traps heavy metals and prevents them from leaking into the environment.

At the scene of a mining site, Zeolite serves as a means of removing contaminant metals from run off

mine water. “A Zeolite filtration medium can reduce many millions of liters of liquid effluent to a few tons

of safe solid waste which can be readily controlled,” Paquette explains further.

Zeolite is an effective treatment for both water and air pollution. Zeolite can remove odors from the air

because of its high lure to ammonium along with some sulfur compounds. As previously noted, Zeolite

has very absorptive properties. Therefore, when water passes over Zeolite’s surface, it can remove

inorganic contaminants, pathogenic bacteria, and soluble organic matter found in the water.

In the farm scene, particularly those of fruit and vegetable growers, Zeolite has had major impacts.

Current exploration and mining operations for zeolite. Photo courtesy of Ray Paquette, CEO of Canadian Mining.

“Zeolite based fertilizers are known to be ‘intelligent fertilizers’ due to their high ion exchange capacity

and porosity,” Paquette explains. The mineral has a proven ability to slowly release nutrients to the root

zone of new seedlings, improving plant strength and performance, reducing root rot and the need to apply

pesticides.

Zeolite is very unique in its wide range of applications. Canadian Mining’s Industrial Division is involved

with exploration and mining of Zeolite in British Columbia currently. The Company’s current Zeolite

claims are in the Princeton area, known as Bromley Creek Zeolite Mine and the Sun Group Claims.

For more information on Canadian Mining: www.canadianmining.ca