Bentonite Exporter from India - Sodium and Calcium Bentonite in Lumps and Powder for Drilling, Foundry, Civil Engineering and Industrial Applications

Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals is a trusted bentonite exporter from India, supplying high-quality sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite in raw lumps, activated lumps and powder form to oil and gas drilling, foundry, civil engineering, iron ore pelletization, animal feed, edible oil refining and numerous other industrial sectors across global markets. Sourced and processed from established bentonite deposits, our material is graded, activated and exported with complete quality documentation to international buyers worldwide.

We export bentonite on FOB and CIF basis from Mundra port for containerised shipments and Kandla port for bulk vessel shipments, serving buyers across the Middle East, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other global markets.

What is Bentonite?

Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay formed primarily from the alteration of volcanic ash, composed predominantly of the clay mineral montmorillonite. It is one of the most versatile industrial minerals globally – valued for its exceptional swelling capacity, high water absorption, cation exchange capability, viscosity-building properties and strong binding and adsorptive characteristics.

Bentonite exists in two primary forms based on its dominant exchangeable cation – sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite – each with distinct properties suited to different industrial applications. Beyond raw and natural states, bentonite is also supplied in an activated form – processed to enhance its natural swelling and bonding performance for high-specification industrial uses.

Our bentonite is sourced and processed to meet the demanding requirements of drilling, foundry, civil engineering, iron ore pelletization and dozens of other industrial applications worldwide.

Bentonite Types We Export

Sodium Bentonite

Sodium bentonite is characterised by its high swelling capacity — it can swell several times its dry volume when hydrated — making it the preferred type for applications requiring viscosity control, sealing, binding and water absorption. Sodium bentonite is the dominant type used across drilling, civil engineering, foundry, pelletization and lining applications.
Key highlights of our sodium bentonite - high swelling index, high yield, excellent gel strength and viscosity-building properties suited to API drilling grade as well as general industrial grades.

Calcium Bentonite

Calcium bentonite has lower swelling capacity compared to sodium bentonite but offers superior adsorptive and oil/grease removal properties. It is the preferred type for applications involving decolorization, purification, animal feed supplementation and ceramic body formulation where high swelling is not the primary requirement.
Key highlights of our calcium bentonite - strong adsorptive capacity, good binding properties and consistent quality suited to feed, ceramic, paper and industrial applications.

Activated Bentonite (Sodium) - Lumps

Our activated bentonite is sodium bentonite extracted from our Kutch, Gujarat deposits and processed through an activation treatment that enhances its natural swelling, viscosity and bonding performance beyond raw, untreated bentonite. This activation process makes the material suitable for higher-specification applications including premium drilling grades, foundry binding and civil engineering uses where enhanced performance is required.

Note: this is distinct from acid-activated bentonite (commercially known as bleaching earth), which is a separate product used specifically for edible oil decolorization. Our activated bentonite lumps refer to sodium bentonite processed for enhanced swelling and bonding performance, not acid treatment for oil bleaching.

Raw Bentonite

Unprocessed bentonite in its natural mined state - supplied to buyers who carry out their own processing, activation or grinding to meet their specific application requirements. Available in both sodium and calcium bentonite types.

Bentonite Powder - 200 Mesh

Finely milled bentonite powder, generally supplied in 200 mesh, suited for direct use across drilling, foundry, civil engineering, animal feed and other powder-form applications. Available in both sodium and calcium bentonite, raw and activated grades.

Technical Data Sheets (TDS) / Test Reports

Animal Feed Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Animal Feed Grade Bentonite TDS Report

API Section 9 Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — API Section 9 Bentonite TDS Report

API Section 11 OCMA Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — API Section 11 OCMA Bentonite TDS Report

Fertilizer Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Fertilizer Grade Bentonite TDS Report

Foundry Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Foundry Grade Bentonite TDS Report

GCL Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — GCL Grade Bentonite TDS Report

IOP Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — IOP Grade Bentonite TDS Report

Paper Grade Bentonite TDS report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Paper Grade Bentonite TDS Report

Cat llitter grade Bentonite report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Cat llitter grade Bentonite Report

Earth Grade Bentonite Powder report - Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals (India) — Earth Grade Bentonite Powder report

Applications of Bentonite Across Industries

Bentonite is one of the most application-diverse industrial minerals in our portfolio. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of every major application we supply to:

Oil and Gas Drilling

Sodium bentonite is the primary viscosifier in water-based drilling fluids - providing viscosity, fluid loss control and borehole wall stability during oil, gas and water well drilling operations. We supply API grade drilling bentonite meeting Section 9 (API 13A) and Section 11 (OCMA) specifications.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and Micro-Tunneling

High-yield sodium bentonite is used as a drilling fluid additive in horizontal directional drilling and micro-tunneling operations - reducing friction, lubricating the bore path, stabilising the borehole and facilitating cuttings removal in pipeline installation, cable laying and trenchless utility construction projects.

Foundry Industry

Sodium and calcium bentonite are widely used as binding agents in foundry sand moulding - providing the green strength and dry strength required to hold mould shape during metal casting. Bentonite-bonded sand moulds are used extensively in iron, steel and non-ferrous metal casting operations, offering high thermal stability and reusability.

Iron Ore Pelletization (IOP)

Bentonite is a critical binding agent in iron ore pelletization - used to bind fine iron ore concentrate particles into uniform green pellets before sintering and use as blast furnace feed material. Bentonite's swelling and binding characteristics ensure pellet strength and durability required for handling and transportation in steel production.

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL)

Sodium bentonite is sandwiched between geotextile layers to manufacture geosynthetic clay liners - used as impermeable barriers in landfill construction, pond and reservoir lining, and containment systems where preventing contamination and leakage is critical. The high swelling capacity of sodium bentonite makes it the standard material for GCL manufacturing globally.

Civil Engineering and Construction

Sodium bentonite is extensively used in civil engineering - as a support fluid in diaphragm walls and secant pile walls, as a sealant in slurry trenches, in tunnel boring and tunneling support fluid, and as a viscosity modifier in cement grouts. It prevents groundwater infiltration and maintains excavation stability during foundation and underground construction work.

Piling

Bentonite slurry is used in pile boring and deep foundation construction — supporting the borehole walls during drilling and preventing collapse before concrete is poured, ensuring structural integrity in piling and foundation work for buildings, bridges and infrastructure projects.

Electrical Earthing

Bentonite is used as an earthing compound around earth electrodes - its high moisture retention and conductivity properties improve electrical grounding performance, particularly in dry or rocky soil conditions where natural soil conductivity is insufficient for effective earthing systems.

Pond and Reservoir Sealing

Sodium bentonite is applied to pond, canal and reservoir beds where it swells upon contact with water to form a low-permeability seal - preventing water seepage and loss in agricultural ponds, decorative water features, irrigation canals and water storage reservoirs.

Water Well Drilling

Bentonite is used in water well drilling as a drilling fluid additive - stabilising the borehole, sealing the annular space around well casings and preventing surface water contamination from entering the aquifer.

Animal Feed and Pelletizing

Calcium and sodium bentonite are used as binding and anti-caking agents in animal feed pellet manufacturing - improving pellet durability and reducing feed wastage. Bentonite's adsorptive properties also allow it to bind mycotoxins in the digestive tract of livestock and poultry, reducing the impact of mycotoxin contamination in grain-based feeds.

Edible Oil Refining and Decolorization

Calcium bentonite is used in the adsorptive purification of edible oils — removing pigments, phospholipids and impurities during vegetable and animal oil refining. Note — for higher decolorization performance, acid-activated bentonite (bleaching earth) is the specialised product for this application, supplied separately.

Ceramics Industry

Calcium and sodium bentonite act as plasticisers and binders in ceramic body formulations - improving workability, green strength and preventing cracking during drying and firing. Used in tile bodies, sanitaryware and pottery applications.

Paper Industry

Bentonite is used in paper manufacturing for pitch control, retention improvement and as a filler - enhancing paper strength, surface quality and reducing contamination from resin deposits in mechanical pulp paper mills.

Paint Industry

Bentonite is used as a thickening and suspension agent in paint formulations — preventing pigment and filler settling during storage and improving application consistency.

Cat Litter

Sodium bentonite is the primary raw material in clumping cat litter manufacturing - its high swelling capacity allows it to form hard, easily removable clumps upon contact with moisture, while its odour-controlling properties make it the preferred material for pet litter products globally.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Calcium bentonite is used in face masks, clay-based skincare products and cosmetic formulations - valued for its absorbent, detoxifying and mineral-rich properties that draw out impurities and oils from the skin.

Pharmaceuticals

Bentonite serves as an inert filler, stabiliser and binding agent in tablet formulations and medicinal suspensions, valued for its chemical inertness and consistent particle properties in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Agriculture and Soil Conditioning

Bentonite is used as a soil conditioner to improve water retention and nutrient availability, as a carrier for agrochemicals and fertiliser granules, and as a seed coating agent in agricultural applications.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Bentonite's high adsorptive capacity makes it effective in removing suspended solids, heavy metals and organic contaminants from industrial wastewater, and in clarification applications for beverages including beer, wine and honey production.

Detergents

Bentonite is used as a builder and filler in detergent powder formulations, contributing to product consistency, bulk density and cost-effective formulation.

Packaging Options

We offer flexible, export-standard packaging suited to different buyer requirements and shipping modes:

25 kg bags
50 kg bags
Jumbo bags
Loose bulk – available for bulk vessel shipments via Kandla port

Custom packaging available on request based on buyer and application requirement.

Export Terms & Supply Information

Export Terms: FOB (Mundra / Kandla) and CIF
Minimum Order Quantity: 1 FCL (Full Container Load). Samples available before bulk orders.
Lead Time: 10 to 15 days to port of loading from order confirmation
Certifications: ISO 9001:2015 certified
Documentation: Certificate of Analysis, test reports, packing list, commercial invoice and all standard export documents provided with every shipment
Pricing: Competitive pricing available on request based on grade, form, quantity and destination port
We regularly export bentonite to buyers across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. New market inquiries are welcome.

Why Source Bentonite from Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals?

Both Sodium and Calcium Bentonite

Complete range covering high-swelling sodium grades and high-adsorption calcium grades from a single supplier.

Multiple Variants and Forms

Raw bentonite, activated lumps and powder (200 mesh) - available to suit your processing setup and application.

Widest Application Range

Drilling, HDD, foundry, IOP, GCL, civil engineering, piling, earthing, pond sealing, animal feed, ceramics, paper, paint, cat litter, cosmetics and more — covered from a single source.

Consistent Quality

Integrated processing and quality testing ensures batch-to-batch uniformity with full test reports and COA for every shipment.

Sample Availability

Samples of all types and forms available before bulk orders for technical evaluation.

Export-Ready Operations

ISO 9001:2015 certified with full export documentation and proven logistics to Middle East, Southeast Asia, China and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite?
Sodium bentonite has high swelling capacity and is preferred for drilling, civil engineering, GCL and sealing applications. Calcium bentonite has lower swelling but stronger adsorptive properties, making it preferred for animal feed, edible oil purification and ceramics.

Q: What is activated bentonite?
Our activated bentonite is sodium bentonite sourced from Kutch, Gujarat and processed through an activation treatment that enhances its natural swelling and bonding performance – supplied in lump form for higher-specification drilling, foundry and civil engineering applications. This is different from acid-activated bentonite (bleaching earth), which is used specifically for edible oil decolorization and is supplied as a separate product.

Q: What forms of bentonite do you export?
We export bentonite in raw lumps, activated lumps and powder (generally 200 mesh), available in both sodium and calcium bentonite types.

Q: Do you supply API grade bentonite for drilling?
Yes. We supply sodium bentonite meeting Section 9 (API 13A) and Section 11 (OCMA) drilling fluid specifications.

Q: What is bentonite used for in iron ore pelletization?
Bentonite acts as a binding agent in iron ore pelletization, binding fine ore concentrate particles into green pellets with the strength and durability required for blast furnace feed material.

Q: Is bentonite used in cat litter the same as drilling grade?
Both are sodium bentonite but processed and graded differently. Cat litter grade is optimised for swelling and clumping performance specifically for moisture absorption, while drilling grade is optimised for viscosity and fluid loss control in drilling fluid systems. We supply grade-specific material based on your application.

Q: What is the HSN code for bentonite export from India?
The HSN code for bentonite is 2508 – covering bentonite and other clays not elsewhere specified.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity for bentonite export?
Minimum order quantity is one FCL (Full Container Load) for export. Samples of all types and forms are available before bulk orders.

Q: From which ports do you export bentonite?
We export from Mundra port for containerised FCL shipments and Kandla port for bulk vessel shipments. Regular sailings to Middle East, Southeast Asia and China.

Enquire About Bentonite Supply from India

Looking for a reliable bentonite exporter from India? Contact Shri Balaji Mines and Minerals for the right type, grade, form and competitive pricing.

Samples of all grades and forms available before bulk orders. Our team responds within 24 hours.