History & Timeline
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.
Abraham Gottlob Werner
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 1900s
Courtesy Urban Reform Institute
Joel Watkins, a West Virginia State Geologist, discovers most of the kyanite deposits in the southeastern Appalachians and purchased them with his partner Mr. McLanahan.
Early 1920s
First Steps
Watkins and J. King McLanahan, Jr. acquire Baker Mountain land and build a pilot plant.
Photo Courtesy https://www.findagrave.com/
1926
Operations Halt
Mining stops following McLanahan’s death.
Photo Courtesy https://www.landwatch.com/
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.
Gene Dixon, Sr., Memorial Park
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
Premium Grade Innovation in the Market
KMC launches Premium Grade Virginia Mullite®, expanding specialty product offerings. Mullite comes to market.
2025
80 Years Strong
Kyanite Mining Corporation celebrates 80 years of excellence, family leadership, and customer partnerships
Today
We’re a 4th generation family-run business and honored to live, work, and relax in the Virginia Piedmont. We pride ourselves on providing a product that is unmatched in quality and purity and is produced under the most rigorous safety standards. We care deeply about the people who mine our products and the mountains where they come from which is why we invest in our community and our environment.