EP Minerals, a global leader in industrial minerals, opened its a new perlite filtration media plant at 450 Industrial Park Drive in Blair, Nebraska.

The firm is a worldwide producer of diatomaceous earth, clay and perlite. These unique minerals are used as filter aids, absorbents and functional additives. EP Minerals also produces patented water purification media and arsenic removal products.

The Blair plant will produce perlite used in the manufacture of several industrial products. Used in a wide variety of filtration applications including water, pharmaceuticals, food, wine and other beverages, perlite is a naturally-occurring volcanic glass that has entrapped moisture. It is also used in construction, landscaping and biofuel production. When subjected to rapid and intense heat, it expands to form perlite filtration media. EP Minerals’ perlite filter aids are recognized for their light density, extremely low float, high purity and high filtration efficiency.

“We’re very excited to open this new Blair perlite plant to service our customers in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest,” said Gregg Jones, President of EP Minerals. “Blair is the perfect location because of our close proximity to key customers and markets,” added Jones.