Alex Cawthon Receives Georgia Mining Association Lifetime Achievement Award

Sandersville, Georgia September 20,2007

The Georgia Mining Association announced today that Alex Cawthon is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. This is the Association’s highest award. Cawthon is the Executive Vice President of Thiele Kaolin Company in Sandersville, Georgia.

Lee Lemke of the Association said, “Alex is widely respected in the industry and is someone who has made it his purpose to promote and protect mining. This award is the first ever and recognizes Alex’s years of contributions and service.” Cawthon has served as President of the Georgia Mining Association on four occasions, is a current member of the Board of Directors, and was twice named “Miner of the Year.” He is also past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the China Clay Producers Association and continues to serve on its Board.

At Thiele, Cawthon is responsible for several business areas and is a member of the Board of Directors for two of Thiele’s subsidiaries. He has served on numerous educational, charitable, and state advisory boards and was named Executive of the Year in Washington County. He has over 35 years of broad business experience and formerly served on the Thiele Board of Directors.

Cawthon obtained his BA degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He and his wife reside in Thomson, Georgia.

The Georgia Mining Association was founded in 1972 by a handful of mining companies with a production value of $272 million. Today, the Association includes 40 mining companies and more than 160 associate member companies with a mineral production value of $1.6 billion per year.

® Thiele Kaolin Company 2004 P. O. Box 1056, 520 Kaolin Road, Sandersville, GA 31082 USA