Process Development and Evaluation of Cook Area Glacial Lake Clays for Cat Litter

Abstract

Clumpable cat litters are commanding an increasing share of the cat litter market. Produced from sodium bentonite, a swelling clay, clumpable litters absorb and bind up cat urine, restricting its penetration to a shallow depth. The resultant "clump" is easily removed, leaving the remaining litter fresh. Bentonite is the same clay used as a binder in the production of taconite pellets on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range. It is shipped by rail from Wyoming, adding significantly to cost per ton of pellets. Past research has shown that the glacial lake clays from the Cook, Minnesota, area can be used wholly or in part as a taconite pellet binder. Recent testing has demonstrated the clumpability of these same clays, making them a potential local source for clumpable cat litter. Further investigation of the Cook area clays could spawn development of a cat litter industry for northeastern Minnesota. Such a development may in turn prompt Minnesota's taconite industry to take a new look at using local clays as a pellet binder in its continual pursuit of cost reduction.