Palabora History

Palabora Europe Limited (formerly known as Mandoval Limited) has a rich history dating back to 1944, when it was founded as the European distributor of crude vermiculite from the Transvaal Ore Company in South Africa. Since then, the company has grown to become a major player in the global vermiculite market, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s consumption.

In 1968, Rio Tinto Zinc acquired all shares in the company, and ownership was later transferred to Palabora Mining Company, resulting in the integration of mining and marketing activities. Over time, the business expanded into downstream production, including sealants, fire-resistant coatings, and acoustic plasters, with the establishment of Mandoval Coatings Limited. However, in 1998, the coatings business was sold to focus solely on the mining and supply of raw vermiculite.

To strengthen the link with Palabora Mining Company and focus on marketing activities, the company changed its name to Palabora Europe Limited in 2000, accompanied by a new logo. Today, Palabora Europe Ltd. continues to fine-tune commercial sales and relationships for the US and European markets, enhancing global presence and improving product placement with important customers.

Looking ahead, the future looks bright for Palabora Europe Limited with plans to offer complimentary products to vermiculite, providing customers with a convenient, one-stop approach for their raw material needs.