From Mine to Melt: Building Glass Industry Knowledge Through Partnership

The glass manufacturing pipeline begins long before raw materials reach the furnace. Geology, mining, processing and quality control shape the materials as they make their way from the mine to the melt. Understanding that journey can help manufacturers see how raw-material properties and processing influence glassmaking and finished-product performance.

The connection between raw materials and glassmaking will be the focus of a Covia-led short course at the upcoming 2026 Glass Problems Conference in Toledo, Ohio. On September 14, Adam Schrader, Technical Sales Manager – Glass & Ceramics, will lead the two-hour course, Mining and Minerals Processing for the Glass Industry.

Connecting Mineral Expertise With Glass Manufacturing

At the heart of the course is the relationship between glass composition and the raw materials used to achieve it. Different types of glass require different combinations of raw materials. Container and flat glass have different requirements than fiberglass, pharmaceutical glass or other specialty formulations. Those differences influence mineral selection as well as the chemistry, particle characteristics and other properties that can affect processing and glass performance.

Covia supports a range of glass applications with mineral expertise and a portfolio that includes silica sand, ground silica, kaolin, nepheline syenite and feldspar.

For glass manufacturers, raw material performance depends on more than chemistry. Particle size, moisture and other characteristics also need to be controlled. Because natural mineral deposits vary, mine planning, processing, testing and quality control all play a role in delivering consistent products. 

Sharing a Mine-to-Melt Perspective at the Glass Problems Conference 

Schrader’s short course will give attendees a closer look at the mining and mineral-processing activities behind glass raw materials.

Topics will include:

• Raw materials used in common glass compositions

• How glass composition influences mineral selection

• Mining and mineral-processing fundamentals

• Key glassmaking minerals, including silica sand, kaolin clay, feldspar, nepheline syenite, limestone, dolomite and soda ash

• Impurity, particle-size and moisture management

• Quality testing and raw-material consistency

The course is designed for engineers and managers who want a clearer understanding of what it takes to mine, process, measure and deliver high-quality materials to the glass industry. It will also explore how mining and mineral processing can influence glass manufacturing performance and how raw-material variability can affect furnace and product outcomes. 

Experience Across Glass and Minerals

Schrader holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Glass Science from Alfred University and has more than 10 years of experience as a glass batch and raw materials scientist. He has also audited raw-material producers in the United States and internationally. Today, he works directly with Covia’s glass and ceramics customers as a technical sales manager.

That combination of glass and mineral experience reflects Covia’s approach to customer support. Across the company, expertise in geology, mine planning, mineral processing, quality, research and development and technical support helps connect naturally occurring mineral resources with the performance requirements of glass manufacturing.

Advancing the Glass Industry Through Partnership

Covia’s involvement with the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC) extends that commitment beyond individual customer relationships. Schrader currently serves as Vice President of GMIC’s executive committee.

GMIC brings together glass manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, technology providers, laboratories, universities, consultants and other organizations across the industry. Through education and collaboration, members can share knowledge and work together on common technical, operational and industry challenges.

For Covia, participation in organizations such as GMIC creates opportunities to share mineral expertise, learn directly from glass manufacturers and strengthen relationships across the industry.

Learn More at the Glass Problems Conference

Glass manufacturers depend on raw materials that perform consistently when they reach the plant. Delivering those materials requires knowledge and control across the entire journey — from the mineral deposit through processing, testing and transportation.

The upcoming short course offers an opportunity to look more closely at that part of the glassmaking process.

Join Adam Schrader on September 14 from 1–3 p.m. for Mining and Minerals Processing for the Glass Industry and gain a better understanding of the raw materials behind the melt.

Learn more about Covia’s minerals for glassmaking or contact a Covia expert for help with your glassmaking challenges.