Thiele Announces Kaolin Price Increase

Sandersville, Georgia October 16, 2006

Mr. Eric Tillirson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Thiele Kaolin Company, announced that Thiele Kaolin Company will implement a price increase on kaolin products, effective January 1, 2007. Prices will increase by an average of 15%.

Mr. Tillirson stated “Mining and processing costs continue to increase, driven by the escalation of prices for power, chemicals and transportation. Thiele continues to employ cost reduction programs and capital investments to improve our financial performance and efficiency. In addition to these efforts, prices must increase to improve the long term viability of our business and to insure that Thiele can continue to provide the innovative, quality products that our customers expect and depend on”.

Thiele Kaolin Company is one of the world’s leading sources of processed kaolin pigments. Thiele mines, processes, blends and delivers the full spectrum of kaolin coating and filler pigments, tailored to meet the specific needs of individual applications. Thiele activities are ISO 9001:2000 certified—an emphasis on quality has been a company tradition for more than five decades.

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