Minerals and Materials is one of the sections under the department of Product Development, It specializes in identifying different ceramic raw material sources, collecting samples, processes and characterize s these raw materials to formulate and test different bodies that are suitable for the production of ceramic products.
It is well equipped with ceramic material laboratory and a pilot plant for development of ceramic products to commercial scale.
Departmental Strategic Goals
- Identification of raw material sites with in and outside Uganda
- Characterization and analysis of different materials from different sites
- Body formulations and prototype testing
- Glaze Development and testing
- Technical and Advisory services to the community
- Technology transfer
- Research and Development
- Laboratory upgrading
Departmental strategic Objectives
- To develop high quality white bodies
- To produce high quality glaze that match with different bodies and customer tastes
- To produce high quality ceramic products
- To run modularized demand driven training programmes
- To improve technical competency of small scale entrepreneurs, strengthening entrepreneurship skills, innovation and management
- To transfer bone china technology
- To develop appropriate process for production of industrial ceramics products and new technologies
- Laboratory upgrading
Services offered include
- Processing of raw materials
- Firing ceramic pieces
- Glazing and body formulating
- Basic ceramic training and advisory services
Ongoing activities include
- Research, processing and documentation of body formulations, glaze and its formulations,
- Slip casting
- Model and mould making
- Smoothening and finishing ceramic products
- Lab equipment is being used in testing hardness, strength and fracture of metal
Planned Activities
- Earthen ware and porcelain
- Bone China technology
- Sanitary ware production
- Tile making
- Developing Different Glazes
- Making of refractory bricks
