South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology |
| 501 E Saint Joseph St |
| Rapid City, SD 57701-3995 |
| General Phone: 605-394-2511 |
| Financial Aid Phone: 605-394-2274 |
| Sector: Public, 4-year or above |
| Classification: Schools of engineering and technology |
| Website: www.sdsmt.edu |
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Latest South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology News
Mica company a high-tech producer - Rapid City Journal
Four or five years ago, the company was mining and processing a low-cost mica powder that cost more to ship than it was worth, according to Pacer president George “Duff” Kruse.“Over a few weeks or months, you could look at the customer list and see people leaving us,” he said.So the company decided to take the mica it mines north of Custer and refine it further so it would have more high-tech applications in such products as automotive undercoating, motor mounts, fire extinguishers, drywall joint compounds, plastics, and industrial and marine paints.Pacer turned things around.Now, the company, with the help of the state and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, is taking the next technological step.It has moved its processing plant to a site south of town where it will install a new jet mill. The jet mill will allow Pacer to further refine mica into an ultra-fine powder for high-tech applications. Pacer received a $250,000 grant for the new jet mill through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The total cost of the mill, ancillary equipment and relocation to the new site will exceed $500,000, Kruse said.The new site will allow the company to increase processing capacity, become - more available