The Dixons: Four Generations. One Enduring Legacy.

As Kyanite Mining Corporation celebrates its 80th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the people, values, and vision that have shaped our journey.

Since 1945, KMC has remained family-owned and operated—with four generations of the Dixon family leading the way.

To mark this milestone, we sat down with current President Guy Dixon to talk about the values passed down through the decades, KMC’s deep roots in Buckingham County, and what the future holds for the company, our customers, and our community.

What values did your father instill in you that have been passed down through generations of Dixons and still guide KMC today?

• A strong work ethic—and a refusal to ever give up or quit.

• A deep respect for the people who sweat (and sometimes bleed) to keep this company running.

• And a belief that even if the work isn’t flashy, it’s meaningful and deserves our full effort and constant attention.

What does it mean to you to continue the work your family began 80 years ago?

It is, besides the health and happiness of my wife and kids, about the most meaningful thing in my life.

I was fortunate to get a good education and spend a few years experiencing corporate life before returning to the family business. I experienced first-hand the pros and cons of that world. And while no one would mistake running a small mining company in rural central Virginia for the glamour of a high-profile career in Paris, New York, or Silicon Valley, I wouldn’t trade this work—or my life here—for anything.

Being part of something so intricately intertwined with my family for four generations gives my work a sense of purpose and meaning that’s hard to put into words. Being responsible for the success or failure of a small company, where I know every single person that works for me by name and face, only strengthens that sense of purpose and meaning. In the operational and engineering world we work in, you see the results of your decisions immediately—whether they succeed or fail—which makes the work incredibly rewarding.

KMC has deep roots in Buckingham County. How does the company—and your family—give back to the community?

Every single one of my ancestors that have run this company have lived within walking distance of the mine and have been deeply and intimately involved with its day-to-day operations. We live, work, send our kids to school, and go to church right here in Buckingham County. We love it, we respect it, and we put our money and attention where our heart is.

We’ve donated land and funding for the local youth sports complex, supported area schools and emergency services, and contributed to churches and community organizations. I—and many of our employees—have coached local youth sports teams, and several team members volunteer with the fire department and rescue squad. Every spring, we even shut down operations for a day so the entire team can clean up trash along the highways and county roads.

I’m proud of the role our company and employees play in helping our community thrive.

As you reflect on 80 years of KMC’s history, what excites you most about the company’s future?

We operate in a tough industry. Primary metal and heavy industrial production—key consumers of kyanite and mullite—are shrinking in North America and Europe. But we’re seeing strong growth in Asia, Africa, and South America—that’s exciting and a major focus for our future.

We’re also working to develop and nurture new uses for the minerals we mine here in Virginia—applications not directly tied to primary metal production and traditional refractories. This product and market development work is also very exciting.

You’ve recently written a book! What inspired you to write All in a Day’s Work, and what can readers expect?

The idea came from a simple truth: few companies last as long as ours. Most small and mid-sized businesses survive just 10–12 years. The three companies that mined this deposit before us all went bankrupt within a few years. Yet here we are, eight decades strong—and still independent.

Only 2–3% of companies reach this milestone, and I believe that’s due to the grit, gumption, and character of those who came before us. Sadly, we can no longer consult with many of them, but we would do well to know who they were, what they did and how they did it. They left us a sturdy foundation, which we should strive mightily to build upon and improve. I wanted to try to capture their stories—alive with lessons—for future generations.

Looking Toward the Next 80 Years

Through generations of leadership, the Dixon family has shaped KMC with perseverance, integrity, and a deep respect for the people and place that make this work meaningful. As Guy shared, few companies endure for eight decades—but the family’s hands-on approach and commitment to doing things the right way continue to guide KMC’s path forward.

That same sense of purpose and pride will continue to define the company in the years ahead—rooted in family, community, and the enduring work that has sustained KMC for 80 years.