
In 1997, Rhino Minerals Europe bv was founded by Andalusite producer, Rhino Minerals Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of former 5th largest mining house Anglovaal in South-Africa, and Eggerding Group. Rhino Minerals was the sales and distribution arm for the Rhino Andalusite 'Purusite' into Europe. In 1999, Anglovaal decided to divest its mineral activities, amongst which the sales of the Rhino Andalusite mine to French Imerys. Eggerding Group decided to acquire full interest in both the Richards Bay milling plant, as well as the European distribution arm. Rhino Minerals Europe bv was then renamed Europe Minerals bv. Until today Europe Minerals has kept its position in the milled and micronised andalusite market for the refractory and technical ceramics market, using Eggerding's milling plants in Holland and South-Africa.