Mining in Minnesota | Minnesota DNR
#0183;#32;Clay is mined in the Minnesota River Valley. Clay is used in making bricks, porcelain, tiles, and medicines. Companies are currently exploring Minnesota for higher grade kaolin (KAYalin) clay, which is a fine, white clay used to add a glossy look to paper. Today, Georgia is the largest producer of kaolin clay in the United States. About 11,000 years ago, glaciers covered Minnesota.