Celebrating 80 Years of KMC

For eight decades, Kyanite Mining Corporation has proudly served as a trusted leader in producing the world’s highest-quality kyanite and mullite.

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re looking back at the key moments, innovations, and people who shaped our journey.

From our earliest discoveries to becoming the world’s largest producer of industrial-grade kyanite and calcined kyanite, this timeline honors the legacy of excellence, partnership, and innovation that continues to drive us forward today—and for generations to come.

KMC 80-Year History Timeline

1789 – A Name is Born

German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner names the mineral kyanite.

1909 – Discovery at Baker Mountain

Geologists Joel Hill Watkins and Dr. Thomas L. Watson identify one of the largest kyanite deposits in the U.S. at Baker Mountain, Virginia.

Early 1920s – First Steps

Watkins and J. King McLanahan, Jr. acquire Baker Mountain land and build a pilot plant.

1926 – Operations Halt

Mining stops following McLanahan’s death.

1933 – A New Chapter

Clarence Aldro Wright purchases Baker Mountain property.

1936 – Baker Mountain Corporation Formed

Wright publishes a formal report and incorporates the new entity.

1940 – Kyanite Products Corporation

International Agricultural Corporation develops modest mining and plant operations.

1944 – Bankruptcy

Kyanite Products Corporation is forced to close due to war-time price controls.

1945 – Kyanite Mining Corporation is Founded

Local investors, including Guy A. Dixon and Gene B. Dixon, Sr., purchase the mine and form Kyanite Mining Corporation.

1948 – Dixon Family Legacy

Guy A. Dixon and Gene Sr. become sole owners—beginning four generations of family leadership.

1949 – Exploration Expands

KMC partners with the U.S. Bureau of Mines to begin prospecting Willis Mountain.

1953 – New Facilities Completed

Crushing and flotation plant at Baker Mountain and the Pamplin Plant are completed.

1957 – Mining Begins at Willis Mountain

Operations expand with this key deposit.

Mid-1960s – Mullite Plant Built

The Dillwyn facility adds mullite production capabilities.

1965 – Next Generation Joins

Gene Dixon, Jr. joins the family business.

1974 – Leadership Changes

Gene Sr. passes away. KMC purchases rights to Canada’s Crocan Lake deposit.

1978 – East Ridge Facilities Open

New facilities open to support growing demand.

1979 – Growth & Dedication

Mining at Baker Mountain ends, though calcining continues until 2002.

Gene Dixon Sr. Memorial Park is established.

1980 – Farewell to a Founder

Guy A. Dixon passes away.

1998 – Guy Dixon Joins KMC

Current President Guy B. Dixon officially joins the company.

2000 – New Laboratory Opens

The Billy R. Coleman Memorial Laboratory is completed, enhancing quality control and R&D.

Early 2000s – Environmental Excellence

KMC receives multiple awards for land reclamation and environmental stewardship.

2005 – Corporate Reorganization

Formation of The Disthene Group, Inc. strengthens company structure.

2017 – Remembering Gene Dixon, Jr.

Gene Dixon, Jr. passes away, leaving behind decades of leadership and service.

2020 – Innovation in the Market

KMC launches Premium Grade Virginia Mullite®, expanding specialty product offerings.

2025 – 80 Years Strong

Kyanite Mining Corporation celebrates 80 years of excellence, family leadership, and customer partnerships.