Welcome to the Summer Newsletter!
From mullite’s origin story to a special visit from Lei, our Technical Consultant in China, this edition is packed with highlights. We’re also recapping a whirlwind trade show season—and bidding a fond farewell to a valued team member. Here’s what we’ve been up to:
It may not be a household name, but mullite plays a major role in the materials we depend on every day. This quarter, we took a closer look at this high-performance mineral in a three-part blog series covering what it is, how it’s made, and why industries around the world rely on it.
Explore the series:
#1: What It Is and Why It Matters
#2: How It’s Made
#3: How It’s Used
This series was inspired by your feedback—have an idea for a future topic?
Get in Touch: (434) 983-2043 | sales@kyanite.com
This spring, we were proud to welcome Lei Zhang—our trusted technical consultant in China—for his first visit to the U.S. Lei toured both of our mine sites, explored our operations, and joined us at the Refractory Ceramics Division trade show, where he met several of our longtime partners.
Since 2022, Lei has helped strengthen KMC’s relationships in China. It was a pleasure to introduce him to our team, culture, and operations here in Dillwyn.
Read our Q&A with Lei
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Lei. I was born in Weihui, a small county in Henan province, China, with a rich history dating back to the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, and then earned my master’s degree at the High Temperature Ceramics Institute of Zhengzhou University.
In the summer of 2013, I joined Zhejiang Zili Corporation, a refractory manufacturing company serving China’s iron and steel industry. As a technical engineer, I was responsible for pre- and post-sales technical support as well as R&D. Two years later, I moved to TRB Beijing, a French-owned company producing high-quality tap hole clay, castable, and precast units for blast furnace systems. There, I oversaw domestic production and R&D. This was also when I first began working with kyanite and became familiar with Kyanite Mining Corporation and Virginia Kyanite. In August 2022, I started working with KMC.
How do you work with Kyanite Mining Corporation?
KMC contracted my company to work with them in 2022. My main responsibility is selling kyanite in China. Our domestic sales team includes representatives from KMC’s broker, Cremer Erzkontor, and two contractors—Emily Fan and myself. I build and maintain relationships with customers, regularly visiting them and providing ongoing technical support.
In addition, I focus on developing new customers by participating in trade shows, delivering presentations, following up on leads, and promoting KMC products and our WeChat account within the local market.
What do you enjoy most about your work with Kyanite Mining Corporation?
When I first joined KMC, we had weekly meetings to discuss sales concepts, such as Gap Selling. I truly enjoyed these meetings—they gave us a space to share customer insights, sales strategy, and discuss any challenges we were facing in our current negotiations.
I also appreciate the technical meetings at KMC, where we contribute to the R&D process by offering suggestions to help customers develop new products. These discussions make me feel like a partner to our customers rather than just a salesperson, and they help deepen those relationships.
This was your first time visiting the U.S.—what were your favorite moments?
The U.S. is a wonderful country—people are warm, polite, and welcoming. The morning after I arrived, an elderly couple at the hotel invited me to join them for breakfast. They were traveling to visit their daughter in Germany, and we had a great conversation about their plans, my work, my visit to the U.S., and life in China.
Another highlight was visiting Washington, D.C. with Steven and Jeromey. We toured many historic landmarks I had learned about in school or seen in films, and we had a fantastic time at the National Museum of Natural History.
Playing golf and attending my first baseball game with Steven, Jeromey, and Jesse was also memorable. It was opening day—the stadium was packed, and the atmosphere was electric.
Spending time with the KMC team created memories I’ll cherish forever. They are kind, funny, and supportive. I'm especially grateful to Guy, Steven, and Jeromey for making the trip possible.
What was it like seeing the mines and our operations in person?
Although Wills Mountain and East Ridge have been mined since the 1950’s, they still hold abundant reserves, and only a small portion has been extracted. KMC places strong emphasis on mineral exploration and ecological restoration, and this commitment is evident in the investment made at the mine and plant sites.
The entire operation—from mining to processing—is well-organized, efficient, and reliable, ensuring high-quality products for the market.
What makes Kyanite Mining Corporation unique?
First, KMC owns the world’s highest-quality kyanite mine. Second, our leadership holds high standards and expectations for product quality. And third, we have a distinctive mineral processing technology coupled with strict quality control procedures.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love playing with my son—we often play badminton, and he enjoys teaching me about trains and airplanes. I also enjoy watching soccer.
What’s something you’d like to see or do on your next visit to the U.S.?
I’d like to visit more customers with Jeromy or Steven. I also hope to explore more of the U.S.'s natural landscapes.
What a season! This spring, the KMC sales team hit the road—and the skies—for a busy stretch of expos, conferences, and quality time with customers, colleagues, and friends around the globe. We also wrapped up Jeromy’s first official trade show run…and he knocked it out of the park!
A few highlights:
Lei in DC in front of the capital building and at the Cardinal game.
The American Ceramic Society-Refractory Ceramics Division (RCD) / St. Louis Section Meeting
We kicked off the spring schedule in St. Louis with a special guest—Lei Zhang (meet him in the feature above). On his first-ever trip to the U.S., Lei toured Washington, D.C. with the team before heading to the always-busy RCD meeting, full of great conversations and connections. To top it all off, Lei caught his first baseball game—Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals—where he and Jesse made an appearance on the Jumbotron!
Cast Expo
Next, the team headed to Atlanta for our first Cast Expo—and it didn’t disappoint. We spent a productive few days walking the show floor, reconnecting with customers, and sparking new conversations. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with us!
Ceramics Expo
Back in Michigan for another great year, Ceramics Expo brought two full days of engaging booth traffic and discussions. Thanks to everyone who stopped by—we’re already looking forward to Cleveland in 2026!
Beatles Cover Band in Liverpool.
European Investment Casters Federation (EICF) Meeting
Set along the scenic banks of the Mersey, the EICF meeting brought together 43 suppliers for two packed days of industry insights, technical talks, and new connections. And the perfect encore? A Beatles cover band at the closing event that rocked the house!
Lei, Steven, Cary, and Emily at Metals & Metallurgy Conference in China
Metals and Metallurgy China
Steven joined our China team in Tianjin for the annual Metals and Metallurgy show. Attendance was high and the show was dominated by discussions on tariffs and the trade war.
Jekyll Island Club and Resort-TRI Spring 2025
The Refractories Institute Spring Meeting
AI and trade policy topped the agenda at this year’s TRI Spring Meeting. We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces at our annual cocktail party and social hour—thanks to all who attended! For the second year in a row, KMC did well in the Annual Golf Tournament. Steven’s team won the shamble, and Hank took home the prize for longest drive! We’re already looking forward to celebrating TRI’s 75th anniversary next spring at Ponte Vedra, FL.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth or joined us along the way!
Thank you, Jesse!
Shoutout to Jesse, who, after spending the last two years in our R&D department, is moving on to a new chapter in his life. His sharp sense of humor, generous spirit, and constant willingness to lend a hand made a lasting impact on all of us. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re excited for what lies ahead in his journey.
To everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with Jesse: join us in wishing him all the best.
You’ll be missed, Jesse!