At the heart of Gilsonite Iraq’s global reputation lies its most valuable asset — our Gilsonite mine in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, owned and operated by Kaplan Co. Unlike many suppliers who act as middlemen, we own the resource itself. This direct ownership ensures that every client receives transparent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable supply with no intermediaries.
Our mine is one of the purest Gilsonite reserves in the region, producing material with up to 95% purity and consistent analysis. By managing extraction, grading, packaging, and export ourselves, we deliver Gilsonite straight from the source to industries worldwide.
Location & Geology
The mine is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an area known for its abundant hydrocarbon-rich veins formed over millions of years. These natural seams of Gilsonite run deep and wide, providing a long-term and sustainable supply for global markets.
Strategically positioned near major trade routes, the Kurdistan Region offers direct access to ports in Iraq and Turkey. This ensures faster export logistics compared to more remote reserves in other countries.
Reference: GeoArabia – History of hydrocarbon exploration in the Kurdistan Region
Purity & Quality
Gilsonite Iraq’s mine stands out due to its exceptional purity:
- Purity: 95%
- Ash Content: 2.5%
- Fixed Carbon: ~38%
- Volatile Matter: ~59%
- Moisture Content: <0.5%
These values make our Gilsonite particularly well-suited for asphalt paving, drilling fluids, coatings, inks, waterproofing, and foundry applications. The natural brilliance and brittleness of the material, combined with its low ash and high fixed carbon, ensure stable and reliable performance in all end-uses.
Direct Mine Ownership by Kaplan Co.
Owning the mine gives us full control over the entire process:
- No intermediaries or brokers – clients deal directly with the source.
- Competitive pricing – without middleman markups.
- Consistent quality control – standard COA for every shipment.
- Faster loading and logistics – shipments move quickly from mine to port.
- Full transparency – clients know exactly where their Gilsonite comes from.
This advantage has made Gilsonite Iraq a trusted partner for industries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Export Readiness
From our mine in Kurdistan, Gilsonite is prepared for international markets under straightforward export conditions:
- Packaging Options: Jumbo Bags (1 MT) or Bulk shipments.
- Delivery Terms: EXW (pickup at Kurdistan) and FOB (ports in Iraq or Turkey).
- Export Documentation: COA, MSDS, Packing List, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, SGS inspection on request.
Our streamlined model ensures clients receive their orders on time, fully documented, and ready for immediate industrial use.
Why Our Mine Makes the Difference
- Exceptional purity (95%) – among the highest in the world.
- Direct ownership by Kaplan Co. – full transparency and control.
- Strategic location in Kurdistan – close to key regional ports.
- Streamlined export logistics – efficient packaging and shipping.
- Trusted by global industries – proven record of international supply.
Conclusion
The Gilsonite mine in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is not just a resource — it is the foundation of Gilsonite Iraq’s reputation for quality, consistency, and transparency. Backed by Kaplan Co.’s direct ownership, our mine enables us to deliver premium Gilsonite to the world without compromise.