Unlock the Benefits of Australian Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE) for End Users and Processors
- Earth & Clay
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 11
Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) is a naturally occurring, versatile mineral with applications across horticulture, agriculture, livestock, pet care, and low-spec industrial markets. While imported DE has traditionally served high-spec filtration and food-grade applications, domestic DE offers end users and processors a range of cost-effective, sustainable, and performance-optimised solutions.

"Buy Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) for agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and industrial uses. Sustainable, unprocessed DE improves soil structure, pest control, and water retention, supporting local Australian businesses.
Domestic vs Imported diatomaceous earth: Understanding the End-User Perspective
Imported Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE):
Silica content: 90–99%+
Organics: <1%
Controlled particle size and moisture content
Often calcined or flux-calcined for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and high-spec industrial uses
Ideal for filtration, laboratory, and engineered industrial applications
Australian Diatomaceous Earth (Diatomite / DE):
Silica content: 80–90%
Natural organics and clay: 5–15%
Broad, unprocessed particle size distribution
Low-temperature, unprocessed, sustainable, and locally mined
Perfect for horticulture, potting mixes, broadacre agriculture, livestock feed, pest control, eco-friendly pet litter, and low-spec industrial uses
Key Insight: For soil conditioning, crop growth, pot plants, pest management, and sustainable livestock or pet applications, organics in Australian DE are beneficial, enhancing soil structure and supporting natural microbial activity, which imported, high-purity DE cannot provide at this cost point.
Benefits of Switching to Australian diatomaceous earth for End Users
Cost-Effective: Locally sourced Australian DE eliminates import fees, shipping costs, and currency fluctuations. Businesses can purchase in bulk at competitive prices, improving margins for growers, nurseries, farmers, and industrial operators.
Sustainable and Reliable Supply: Using domestic DE reduces environmental impact, strengthens the local mining sector, and ensures a consistent, reliable supply for domestic operations.
Perfect for Low-Spec Applications: Domestic DE provides all the functionality required for horticulture, potting mixes, broadacre agriculture, livestock bedding, poultry dusting, eco-friendly pet litter, and low-spec industrial uses. Its natural composition enhances soil health, retains moisture, and controls pests effectively.
Simplified Compliance: Australian DE does not require the certifications needed for food, beverage, or pharmaceutical applications, reducing regulatory overhead for businesses while delivering excellent performance in domestic applications.
Opportunities for Australian Processors of diatomaceous earth
Australian DE is not only a cost-effective solution for end users but also a strategic feedstock for processors aiming to produce mid- or high-purity grades for domestic or export markets.
Processing Capabilities: Calcination / Flux-Calcination converts natural DE into high-purity, heat-stable forms suitable for filtration, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical uses. Micronisation / Grinding produces controlled particle size for industrial absorbents, horticulture, or chemical fillers. Refining / Blending enables mid-purity DE tailored for specific export or domestic industry applications.
Advantages for Australian Processors: Local Supply Security allows access to reliable deposits in WA, QLD, and SA, reducing reliance on imported feedstock. Cost Efficiency comes from lower logistics and shipping costs compared to importing DE for processing. Export Potential allows processed DE to meet international standards, unlocking new revenue streams. Sustainability and Branding appeal to global buyers seeking eco-friendly and traceable products.
End-to-End Value Proposition: By leveraging domestic DE, Australian processors can serve low-spec domestic users while simultaneously producing mid- or high-purity products for export or specialised industrial markets. This dual approach strengthens the domestic supply chain, captures value at multiple points, and supports the growth of the local DE industry.
Applications Where Australian Diatomaceous earth Excels
Horticulture and Pot Plants: Enhances soil structure, improves water retention, and naturally controls pests.
Broadacre Agriculture: Supports crop health, enhances soil quality, and manages insects naturally.
Livestock Feed and Bedding: Non-toxic, moisture-absorbing, and pest-controlling.
Pet Litter: Eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to imported products.
Low-Spec Industrial Uses: Absorbs spills, controls dust, and manages moisture in warehouses or agricultural facilities.
Processed DE Products: Mid- or high-purity grades suitable for filtration, industrial absorbents, or export markets.
Recommended Suppliers and Partners of diatomaceous earth
Hudson Marketing / Hudson DE: Domestic WA DE for horticulture, agriculture, livestock, and pet care.
Greenpet: Organic DE for gardens, nurseries, and livestock.
Orku / HomeMyGarden: Natural, unprocessed DE for horticulture and livestock.
Mintabie / Dia-Min: Bulk DE for pest control, livestock, and low-spec industrial uses.
Trisil Group: Australian distributor importing DE only when local supply is insufficient.
Australian Processors: Businesses capable of calcination, micronisation, and refining for export-grade or mid-purity DE.
Conclusion
For end users — growers, farmers, nurseries, livestock operators, and industrial businesses — Australian diatomaceous earth (diatomite / DE) provides an affordable, sustainable, and high-performing solution for soil, crop, and animal applications.
For processors, domestic DE is a strategic feedstock that can be upgraded to mid- or high-purity products for domestic or international markets, offering new revenue streams while supporting the local DE industry.
Switching to Australian DE maximises value for all stakeholders, strengthens the local supply chain, and provides a versatile solution that meets both low-spec domestic applications and high-spec export opportunities.
Sample Availability
Contact us to arrange a sample from AusDE through Hudson Marketing Pty Ltd. AusDE offers samples of both diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay for testing and trial applications both domestically in Australia and internationally, Asia Pacific, including China and Japan, South East Asia, Middle East, Europe and more:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Supplied as screened <10 mm powder, ideal for filtration, absorbent, and other industrial applications
Attapulgite Clay: Available in a wider range of particle sizes; customers can request specifications to match their unique application requirements, from spill control to landfill lining or filtration
Testing samples firsthand allows industrial operators to:
Assess absorbent and adsorbent performance
Optimize particle size and composition for specific applications
Explore opportunities for product innovation and customization
For sample requests or supply inquiries, contact AUSDE at hudson@hpgl.com.au or call (02) 9251 7177 or for international calls: +61 2 9251 7177.
For more information: www.ausdiatomaceousearth.com.au





Comments