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Natural Bitumen FAQ

We receive many questions from engineers, procurement teams, and distributors about Gilsonite. Here we answer the most common ones regarding quality, packaging, applications, and logistics.

Q1. What is the typical purity of your Gilsonite?

A: Our mine in Kurdistan produces Gilsonite with up to 95% purity and only 2.5% ash. Every shipment includes a COA for verification.

Q2. How is Gilsonite different from petroleum asphalt?

A: Unlike refinery asphalt, Gilsonite is a natural mineral with higher fixed carbon, better thermal stability, and superior waterproofing performance.

Q3. What industries commonly use Gilsonite?

A: Major sectors include asphalt paving, oil & gas drilling, paints & inks, foundry casting, and waterproofing products. Read more here: Gilsonite Applications

Q4. What packaging options are available?

A: We supply Gilsonite in 1 MT jumbo bags, and bulk shipments.

Q5. Do you provide quality documents with shipments?

A: Yes. All exports include MSDS, COA, Packing List, and Commercial Invoice. SGS inspection can be arranged on request.

Q6. How do you ensure consistent quality in every shipment

A: Each batch of Gilsonite is tested in our in-house lab and verified with a COA (Certificate of Analysis). This guarantees uniform purity, softening point, and ash content for every customer.

Q7. What is the softening point range of Gilsonite?

A: Depending on grade, between 140–220 °C.

Reference: ASTM International – Asphalt & Bitumen Standards

Q8. Where is your mine located?

A: Our mine is in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with strategic access to international trade routes.

Q9. Can you export Gilsonite worldwide?

A: Yes, we regularly ship to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa under Incoterms EXW, and FOB. Read more here: Export of Gilsonite

Q10. Is Gilsonite environmentally friendly?

A: As a naturally occurring material with minimal processing, Gilsonite has a lower environmental footprint compared to synthetic additives.

Q11. How should Gilsonite be stored?

A: Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Properly sealed bags prevent moisture absorption.

Q12. Is Gilsonite suitable for high-temperature road pavements?

A: Yes. With a softening point of up to 220 °C, Gilsonite performs exceptionally well in hot climates, reducing rutting and improving pavement durability.

Reference: FHWA – Asphalt Materials (Federal Highway Administration)

Q13. How does Gilsonite improve drilling fluid performance compared to synthetic additives?

A: Gilsonite provides natural fluid-loss control, strengthens borehole walls, and resists high downhole temperatures, offering a cost-effective alternative to synthetics.

Reference: SPE – Society of Petroleum Engineers

Q14. Can Gilsonite be used in eco-friendly inks and coatings?

A: Yes. As a naturally occurring hydrocarbon with minimal processing, Gilsonite is a sustainable pigment and binder option in printing inks and industrial coatings.

Reference: American Coatings Association

Q15. What Incoterms do you offer?

A: Gilsonite Iraq supplies under multiple Incoterms, most commonly EXW, and FOB.

Q16. Do you handle customs clearance and documentation?

A: Yes. We provide all export documents—COA, MSDS, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, and Certificate of Origin—and can coordinate with clearing agents.

Q17. Are there new applications of Gilsonite in renewable energy or composites?

A: Emerging research highlights Gilsonite as a carbon source in battery electrodes, composite panels, and eco-friendly binders for advanced materials.

Q18. Can Gilsonite replace carbon black in certain formulations?

A: In some applications, yes. Gilsonite can partially substitute carbon black in inks, coatings, and rubber compounds, providing both performance and sustainability benefits.

Q19. Why should I buy Gilsonite from Iraq instead of other sources?

A: Iraqi Gilsonite, especially from our mine operated by Kaplan Co., is among the purest worldwide with up to 95% natural purity and very low ash content. By sourcing directly from the mine, without intermediaries or brokers, clients benefit from:

  • Consistent high quality verified by COA and SGS
  • Lower cost due to direct mine-to-port logistics
  • Faster delivery times via nearby Middle East trade routes
  • Transparent supply chain with full documentation
Q20. How is the price of Gilsonite determined?

A: The price of Gilsonite depends on several factors, including grade (purity, ash, softening point), form (lump or micronized powder), packaging type (jumbo bag, PP bag, bulk), and delivery terms (FOB, CFR, CIF). As a direct mine owner in Iraq, Gilsonite Iraq offers competitive prices with no middlemen.

For your inquiries please contact us.