Unique extraction and processing of Neuburg Siliceous Earth into functional fillers for elastomers, thermoplastics, paints and polishing agents.
HOFFMANN MINERAL GmbH
86633 Neuburg (Donau)New on Amplifa
About Hoffmann Mineral
Hoffmann Mineral is a medium-sized mining and filler company based in Neuburg an der Donau and the only company in the world that mines and processes Neuburg Siliceous Earth. The natural combination of finest silicon dioxide and kaolinite, formed around 95 million years ago, is extracted in open-pit mining and processed in several process steps – dispersion, hydrocyclone separation, filter presses and natural gas-fired turbo drying – into functional fillers. The product portfolio comprises the product lines Sillitin, Silfit, Aktisil, Aktifit and Gloxil, including silanized and thermally upgraded variants. The fillers are used in elastomers, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), paints and coatings, reactive resins as well as polishing and cleaning agents, among other things in the automotive, medical and construction industries. With around 150 employees, approximately 55.000 tonnes of processed mineral are sold annually, for which around 150.000 tonnes of raw siliceous earth are extracted. Distribution is via partners in more than 100 countries; half of production is sold in Germany.
- Site
- Neuburg (Donau)
- Processes
- Extraction and processing of Neuburg Siliceous Earth (open-pit mining, dispersion,, Functional modification/silanization of fillers (Aktisil, Aktifit, Gloxil light), Thermal upgrading process (Silfit Z 91 from Sillitin Z 86), Geological exploration and drilling (Ø approx. 15 cm, depth up to 80 m), Open-pit extraction of Neuburg Siliceous Earth, Filler use for elastomers (compound development), Filler use for thermoplastics (PA 6, PA 66, PBT, PC, PK, PPS, PP, WPC, EVA, ABS/FFF 3D printing,, Filler use for paints and coatings (corrosion protection, coil coating, powder coating,
- Materials
- Neuburg Siliceous Earth, Sillitin N 85 / N 85 puriss / N 75, Sillitin Z 86 / Z 86 puriss, Sillitin Z 89 / Z 89 puriss, Sillitin P 87 / P 87 puriss, Silfit Z 91, Aktifit, Aktisil (PF 115/89, PF 777/89, AM/89)
- Certificates
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, EcoVadis Sustainability Rating (Silver)
- Founded
- 1903
- Employees
- around 150
- Industries
- Elastomers (rubber processing), Thermoplastics, Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), Paints and coatings, Reactive resins, adhesives and sealants, Polishing and cleaning agents
- 01
Geological exploration and drilling
- 02
Open-pit mining
- 03
Dispersion in water
- 04
Hydrocyclone separation
- 05
Filter pressing
- 06
Turbo drying
- 07
Pulverization
- 08
Functional modification/silanization
- 09
Technical application development
- 10
Worldwide distribution
Products and Processes
Neuburg Siliceous Earth
Natural combination of round Neuburg silicon dioxide and lamellar kaolinite, unique worldwide in structure and properties.
Sillitin (N 85, N 75, N 85 puriss, Z 86, Z 86 puriss, Z 89, Z 89 puriss, P 87)
Natural, untreated fillers with application-dependent particle size distribution, among other things for elastomers and washing machine seals.
Aktisil (PF 115/89, PF 777/89, AM/89)
Functionalized Neuburg Siliceous Earth with silanized surface for corrosion protection preparations, adhesives and elastomers.
Silfit Z 91
Thermally upgraded Sillitin Z 86 for applications with increased requirements for purity and brightness.
Aktifit
Surface-activated Silfit Z 91 with functional groups.
Gloxil (light, matt, bright, bright VM)
Silica-sol-based and calcined kaolin products for matting, hiding power reduction and clear coatings.
Sites
Neuburg (Donau)
DEHeadquarters, exploration, open-pit mining, processing and distribution
- Materials
- Neuburg Siliceous Earth
- Special drilling rig (Ø approx. 15 cm, depth up to 80 m)
- Open-pit excavators and dump trucks
- Hydrocyclone system
- Filter presses
- Turbo dryer (natural gas-fired)
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extraction and processing of Neuburg Siliceous Earth (open-pit mining, dispersion,Other (mineral processing/filler production) | – | – | – | – | Neuburg Siliceous Earth (silicon dioxide + kaolinite) |
| Functional modification/silanization of fillers (Aktisil, Aktifit, Gloxil light)Surface | – | – | – | – | Neuburg Siliceous Earth, Silica sol/gel, Calcined kaolin |
| Thermal upgrading process (Silfit Z 91 from Sillitin Z 86)Heat treatment | – | – | – | – | Neuburg Siliceous Earth |
| Geological exploration and drilling (Ø approx. 15 cm, depth up to 80 m)Engineering | – | – | – | – | – |
| Open-pit extraction of Neuburg Siliceous EarthOther (mining) | – | – | – | – | Neuburg Siliceous Earth |
| Filler use for elastomers (compound development)Plastics | – | – | – | – | EPDM, NBR |
| Filler use for thermoplastics (PA 6, PA 66, PBT, PC, PK, PPS, PP, WPC, EVA, ABS/FFF 3D printing,Plastics | – | – | – | – | Polyamide (PA 6, PA 66), PBT, PC, PK, PPS, PP, WPC, EVA, ABS, TPU |
| Filler use for paints and coatings (corrosion protection, coil coating, powder coating,Surface | – | – | – | – | Epoxy, Acrylate, Alkyd, Polyaspartic |
5 Anlagen & Maschinen
| Machine | Manufacturer / model | Quantity | Working area | Year built | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special drilling rig (exploration drilling, Ø approx. 15 cm, depth up to 80 m) | – | – | Drilling diameter approx. 15 cm, depth up to 80 m | – | Neuburg (Donau) |
| Open-pit equipment (large excavators and dump trucks) | – | – | – | – | Neuburg (Donau) |
| Hydrocyclone system (sand fractionation) | – | – | – | – | Neuburg (Donau) |
| Filter presses | – | – | – | – | Neuburg (Donau) |
| Turbo dryer (natural gas-fired) | – | – | – | – | Neuburg (Donau) |
Additional services
Reference customers
Quality
The quality policy is evidenced by a quality management system according to ISO 9001 first certified by TÜV Management Service in 1993, complemented by certifications according to ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001. Regular monitoring and repeat audits confirm the active quality management process.
| Evidence | Neuburg (Donau) |
|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | |
| ISO 14001 | |
| ISO 45001 | |
| ISO 50001 | |
| EcoVadis Sustainability Rating (Silver) |
History
- 1903
Founded by Franz Hoffmann as a steam washing plant for Neuburg Siliceous Earth; the most important fields of application were polishing agents and household care products.
- 1950
Emergence of Sonax GmbH from the company.
- 1971
Acquisition of the siliceous earth division of the Globus works; since then the sole producer of Neuburg Siliceous Earth.
- 1979
Closure of the last underground mine; mining exclusively in open-pit operation.
- 1991
Manfred Hoffmann takes over the company in the fourth generation.
- 1993
First certification according to ISO 9001 by TÜV Management Service.
- 1994
Start of development of the open-pit mine 'Am Steinbruch' (deforestation, archaeological investigations, removal of topsoil).
- 1996
Start of siliceous earth extraction in the open-pit mine 'Am Steinbruch'.
- 2006
Extraction in the open-pit mine 'Am Steinbruch' down to a depth of 70 metres.
- 2008
Start of backfilling of the open-pit mine.
- 2010
Planting and creation of a wetland biotope on the recultivated area.
- 2024
EcoVadis Sustainability Rating Silver achieved.
- 2025
Award by Environment Minister Glauber for five mining sites in the 'Temporary Nature' programme.