Looking Toward the Future
As we close out 2025, Kyanite Mining Corporation is reflecting on a milestone few companies reach: 80 years of continuous operation. This year also marked four generations of Dixon family leadership, placing KMC among a small group of family-owned companies to sustain operations across decades.
Through it all, our mission has remained steady: put our customers first, operate safely and efficiently, steward the land we manage, and invest for the long term. This year reinforced that those commitments continue to guide everything we do.
Safety First—Every Day
Safety is deeply embedded in KMC’s culture. We are coworkers, neighbors, and friends, and our expectation is simple: everyone goes home safe at the end of every shift.
That commitment was recognized this year with two industry honors:
The Sentinels of Safety Award from the National Mining Association, naming our East Ridge and Gieseke Plants the best safety performers in the country in 2024 in the Small Open Pit category.
The Chairmen’s Safety Award from The Refractories Institute (TRI), further underscoring our safety-first approach.
These recognitions reflect the standards we uphold daily—from strict hearing protection policies and annual audiometric testing to our gym membership program supporting employee health.
Stewarding Willis Mountain and East Ridge
At KMC, environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that guides our decisions every day. That commitment shapes how we care for Willis Mountain and East Ridge, the two ore deposits that anchor our operations in Dillwyn. Responsible land management, ongoing reclamation, and investment in modern monitoring and planning tools remain central to how we work.
As friends, neighbors, and members of the Buckingham County community, we take pride in preserving this land—not just for today, but for our children and generations to come.
Planning for Generations
A recent resource-definition study confirmed multiple generations’ worth of kyanite left in reserves-and that’s on just half of our property. Combined with detailed 3D geological modeling, this long resource horizon allows us to plan with confidence—for our workforce, our community, and our customers.
Growing Globally, Partnering Technically
While North America and Europe remain strong markets, continued growth in China and India is an important focus. Our work in these regions goes beyond supply—we partner closely with customers to support technical education, formulation optimization, and application-specific solutions.
Investing in Innovation and People
R&D remains a key priority at KMC, particularly in low-iron products and new applications for kyanite and mullite. Just as important is investing in the people who will shape the future of our industry.
This year, KMC supported mentoring and professional development for emerging professionals and women, including co-sponsoring the Women in Refractories Program at UNITECR and leading the Emerging Professionals breakout session at TRI, moderated by our VP, Director of Sales & Marketing and Ceramic Engineer, Steven Ashlock. KMC also remains actively involved with the Investment Casting Institute’s Investing in the Future Committee, supporting long-term engagement and leadership development across the industry.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, KMC remains focused on the work ahead—serving our customers with consistency and care, operating safely and efficiently, and making thoughtful investments that support long-term success.
Thumbnail Photo Credit: Mountains in Virginia Outforia
