Environmental Stewardship
As the world's largest and most enduring producer and supplier of kyanite, we are not merely extractors of vital resources. Kyanite Mining Company and other mining leaders stand at the forefront, leading the pack in groundbreaking resource management and embracing environmental responsibility. Our commitment extends beyond the present, aiming to cultivate a sustainable future not only for our business and industry, but for generations to come.
Preserving Our Roots
Guy Dixon, Terrell Dunnavant, and Gene Dixon
Kyanite Mining Corporation is not just a company; it's a family legacy. President Guy Dixon, raised on the side of the mountain we call home, instills a deep pride and appreciation for the land into our company culture. Our team members, many born and raised here, share a similar connection and affinity for the mountains, woods, and wildlife distinguishing Buckingham County.
Together, we are stewards of not only our properties, but of our larger Buckingham County community. From supporting vital emergency services in our rural community to hosting an annual trash pickup day where the entire Kyanite team removes trash alongside the major roads near Kyanite mine sites, we take great pride in investing in the communities we live, work, and play within.
Leading the Pack
Mining is one of humanity's oldest endeavors, and at Kyanite Mining Corporation, we recognize its critical importance. Did you know that the average American requires over 40,000 pounds of newly mined minerals annually? We play a vital role in meeting this demand, while also paving the way for innovative resource management practices and cutting-edge pollution control technology. From recycling ground and rainwater to working closely with regulators to ensure Kyanite not only meets, but exceeds compliance regulations, our focus on minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing benefits to our community, our region, and our world is paramount.
Environmental Commitment
Our commitment goes beyond compliance; it's a promise to care for the land we mine. While we extract minerals, we only mine a small portion of our property, leaving the majority untouched and protected. Our dedication to environmental stewardship includes restoring mined land to enhance the ecological state for miles around. We also prioritize resource recovery practices, ensuring that as much extracted material as possible is reused or sold. Sediment not used as a product or byproduct does not leave our site; rather, it is incorporated into our reclamation process.
The Gieseke Plant Watershed Pond
Reclamation as Ethos
Reclamation is not an afterthought; it's integrated into our company ethos. At every phase of the mining process, we meticulously restore and manage reclaimed mine land as protected wildlife habitats. Native grasses and wildflowers are a vital component of our seed mix and are planted throughout our reclaimed sites, helping to prevent erosion and also to attract and sustain wildlife. Native wildlife, including white-tail deer, bob-white quail, turkey, rabbits, and hawks, now thrive in these reclaimed areas.
Our commitment to reclamation has even earned us state and national environmental stewardship awards, as well as a feature on a recent PBS episode of “Virginia Home Grown”. Watch a clip.
