Ann: Altech - Patent Granted for Kaolin to HPA Production Process, page-60

Competition is clearly a factor but I don't think the size of the deposit is that important because the demand volumes are comparatively small - however if you look at previous patents granted in this area purity and particle size of the  kaolin is very important (most of these patents are out of time) - whats fairly clear is the technology has been around for many years which is why I was surprised but pleased when Altech announced grant of the Innovation Patent because if this could be enforced it could create real problems for competitors. My gut feel is that the market is getting quite crowded and Altech need to differentiate from competitors