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Not everything labeled “gilsonite” is Gilsonite® – here are the differences
August 7, 2019
There is only one source of Gilsonite®. If it doesn’t come from American Gilsonite Company, it isn’t Gilsonite®.
Gilsonite® is only found in our mines in the Uinta Basin of Northeastern Utah. Some companies claim to offer “gilsonite” from other parts of the world, but those products are simply misidentified to take advantage of Gilsonite® uintaite’s internationally recognized quality. Their performance is compromised due to inferior physical and chemical properties and lack of purity and consistency.
True Gilsonite® uintaite is the only additive that provides:
- Lowest specific gravity, greatest strength and superior flexibility to inferior asphalt and asphalt-like materials
- Product purity, with much lower content of inorganic or mineral material
- Versatility and economy that make a superior additive
– Less product is required, reducing costs
– Also reduces the need and cost for additional additives - Greater environmental safety, minimizing HSE impact, promoting worker safety
– OSHA classified as non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic
– Passed US Gulf of Mexico environmental tests for deep-water discharge


It’s easy to spot true Gilsonite® – and its superior advantages
It’s this simple: rub the product on a white porcelain tile. The purity of true Gilsonite® uintaite leaves a brown streak. Inferior asphalt and asphaltites leave a black streak.
True Gilsonite® even smells different – it smells like earth. Other products smell like hydrocarbons.
Pure performance and consistent quality
Gilsonite® uintaite, with its unique physical and chemical properties, only comes from one source. So the product is dependably consistent and remarkably pure. Other substitutes are contaminated with undesirable materials that can affect physical characteristics, mixability, the necessity of other additives that increase overall cost, and, ultimately, product performance. Notably, Gilsonite® is virtually sulphur-free, with less than 1% sulphur content. Substitutes exhibit up to 10 times that amount.
The strength, flexibility, extreme light weight and environmental safety of Gilsonite® uintaite make it a superior additive in a wide variety of applications.

| Properties | Gilsonite® | Glance Pitch | Grahamite | Natural Asphalt |
| Specific gravity @77°F | 1.01-1.04 | 1.10-1.15 | 1.12-1.50 | 1.40-1.45 |
| Softening point | >300°F | 270-375°F | 350-600°F | >250°F |
| Soluble in CS2 | >99% | >95% | 45-100% | 56-67% |
| Inorganic or mineral matter | 0.3% | 5% | up to 50% | 36.9% |
| Fixed carbon | <20% | 20-30% | >30% | 10.8-12% |
| Carbon content | 89.28% | 80.87% | 86.56% | 82.33% |
| Hydrogen content | 8.66% | 10.42% | 8.68% | 10.69% |
| Sulphur content | <1% | 9.52% | 1.79% | 6.56% |
Remember, if it isn’t from American Gilsonite Company, it’s an inferior substitute.
Impressive results achieved by replacing OBM fluid loss additives with Gilsonite®
July 24, 2019

A large U.S. independent drilling fluids company was experiencing inconsistent performance in their Eagle Ford and Permian operations. After conducting field trials, they determined using American Gilsonite® uintaite as an OBM additive resulted in a net fluid loss additive cost reduction, reduced additive consumption and fluid loss performance improvement.
A company spokesperson noted, “American Gilsonite® consistently
outperformed alternative OBM fluid loss additives. In a field trial in the Eagle Ford basin, we saw the HT/HP fluid loss values go down and remain consistently stable. Results were a tighter emulsion with a quality filter cake.” After that successful trial, the company continued field trials in the Delaware and Midland basins.
Key findings of the trials included:
- Fluid loss additive cost per well was reduced by 58.3%
- Fluid loss additive consumption/bbl was reduced by 62.5%
- Fluid loss performance improved 50%
“Based on the impressive, consistent results of these field trials, we have replaced all alternative OBM fluid loss additives with American Gilsonite® throughout our Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma operations,” the representative concluded.
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite® and how our high-performance drilling fluid additives can benefit your company.
American Gilsonite Company Dubai Supply Center opened to better serve the needs of Middle East customers
May 2, 2019
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To meet the growing demand for Gilsonite® around the globe, American Gilsonite recently opened our newest supply center in Dubai. The distribution center will stock a full range of Gilsonite products for cementing and drilling fluids (both OBM and WBM), allowing Middle East customers to get just the amount of Gilsonite they need, right when they need it – within 48 hours of placing an order! Making it faster and easier to get the world’s only true source of Gilsonite is part of AGC’s continued strategy to place products closer to the wellhead so customers can realize the benefits of Gilsonite in their projects without the need to maintain a large inventory of product. “Locating a supply center in Dubai is the first stage of implementing our Middle East strategy. This will help AGC expand our customer base in the region, as well as better meet the needs of our current Middle East clients,” says Craig Mueller, American Gilsonite Company Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. American Gilsonite hosted receptions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to celebrate the opening of the new Dubai warehouse. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and were able to learn more about the benefits of Gilsonite in cementing and drilling fluids. Representing American Gilsonite at the Dubai Supply Center grand opening were Craig Mueller – Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer; Ghery Sotomayor – Senior Account Manager, Drilling Fluids; and Rozalina Bojey – Marketing Coordinator for the Middle East and Far East markets. For more information, download our information sheet. To place an order from the Dubai Supply Center, call +1 832-974-4393 or email dubai@americangilsonite.com. |
![]() Abu Dhabi opening reception ![]() Dubai opening reception ![]() American Gilsonite Dubai Supply Center ![]() American Gilsonite Dubai Supply Center |
American Gilsonite Company Strengthens Executive Team, Announces New Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
February 19, 2019
Craig Mueller to advance the global network and commercial strategy of principal Gilsonite producer
American Gilsonite Company, Inc. (“AGC”), the world’s only supplier of Gilsonite®, is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Mueller as Vice President (VP) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective immediately. Mr. Mueller is responsible for AGC’s commercial strategy, business development, advancement of technologies for customer-focused products and leadership of its worldwide sales team. He will work closely with AGC’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David G. Gallagher, to develop strategies that continue to drive the company’s long-term commercial success.
Mr. Mueller is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry with extensive knowledge in oilfield operations, international business relationships, business development and commercial strategy. He joins AGC from Baker Hughes’ executive leadership team, where he most recently served as VP of Sales – ExxonMobil.
“As we advance our global expansion, top tier talent additions are fundamental for the continued success of AGC in the marketplace. With Craig’s expertise in the well construction segment, close relationships within the E&P community and vast domestic and international experience, we are confident he will continue to drive the value of Gilsonite in the eyes of our clients,” says David G. Gallagher, President and CEO of AGC.
“I am very humbled and excited to be joining this best-in-class organization with a strong reputation of dedicated leadership in the industry. I look forward to spearheading its growth, while we continue to innovate and collaborate with our clients,” says Craig Mueller, VP and CCO of AGC.
Mr. Mueller earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University.
About American Gilsonite Company
AGC operates as an industrial minerals company and is the world’s primary miner and processor of uintaite, a variety of asphaltite, a specialty hydrocarbon which AGC markets to industrial customers under its registered trademark name “Gilsonite®”. Gilsonite is a glossy black, solid, naturally occurring hydrocarbon similar in appearance to hard asphalt and is believed to be found in commercial quantities only in the Uinta Basin in northeastern Utah. Because of its unique chemical and physical properties, Gilsonite has been used in more than 160 products. The Company sells its products to customers in four primary markets: (i) oil and gas, (ii) inks and paints, (iii) foundry and (iv) asphalt. AGC is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with mining facilities based in Bonanza, Utah.
| Media Relations Contact Paige Donnell Paige PR 832-566-6503 paige@paigepr.com |
American Gilsonite Company opens new doors in Middle East at ADIPEC 2018
January 22, 2019

American Gilsonite recently took part in one of the world’s largest oil and gas conferences – the 2018 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). The event, held in November 2018, was attended by 145,000 industry professionals from over 67 countries across the globe.
ADIPEC provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate how to identify true Gilsonite and to showcase its superior advantages in cementing and drilling fluids in virtually any downhole environment around the world.
Representing American Gilsonite at the conference were Ghery Sotomayor – Senior Account Manager, Drilling Fluids; Ashley Barnes – Analyst; and Rozalina Bojey – Marketing Coordinator. Ms. Bojey recently joined the team to expand American Gilsonite’s customer base in the Middle East and Far East markets in conjunction with the opening of AGC’s Dubai Supply Center in February 2019. AGC also has a Singapore Supply Center, which opened in October 2018.

Ghery Sotomayor reported that American Gilsonite “had outstanding attendance and response at the booth, including meaningful interactions with regional customers and potential business partners that have set the agenda for 2019.”
Contact us to learn more about the world’s only true source of Gilsonite and how it can benefit your company.
American Gilsonite Company sponsors forward-looking session at 2018 IPAA conference in New Orleans
January 17, 2019

The 89th annual Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)conference was held at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans November 11-14, 2018 and included 3 days of timely, informative sessions.
American Gilsonite was pleased to sponsor the “Technology Adoption and the Future of Oil & Gas” session. The presentation covered how the oil and gas industry is in a position to benefit from advances in artificial intelligence that can provide exponential performance gains and increased profitability. The challenge was also addressed as to how to integrate game-changing technology without disrupting the stability of operations.
American Gilsonite President and CEO David Gallagher also had the honor of introducing the keynote speaker, Mrs. Candace Owens, at the Membership Luncheon on November 13.
American Gilsonite Company celebrates the opening of their Singapore distribution center
November 8, 2018
American Gilsonite is pleased to announce the opening of our South East Asia distribution center. Located in Singapore, our newest supply center is strategically situated to expand our customer base in the region, as well as to better serve the needs of existing customers.
The distribution center will stock our full line of Gilsonite products for drilling fluids and it will be faster and easier than ever to get the world’s only true source of Gilsonite! South East Asia customers can buy just the amount of Gilsonite that they need to keep their inventory low, and they can pick up in as soon as 48 hours after placing an order.
“The opening of the Singapore Distribution center signals our continuing strategy to place products closer to the wellhead,” says American Gilsonite Company President and CEO, David Gallagher.
American Gilsonite celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at our new distribution location in Singapore and with a reception on October 4th at the St. Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, download our information sheet.
To place an order from the Singapore distribution center, call +1 435-781-4538 or email singapore@americangilsonite.com.
American Gilsonite Company will be at the 2018 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference
October 1, 2018

American Gilsonite Company will be at ADIPEC to provide information on how the strength, flexibility, extreme light weight and environmental safety of Gilsonite® provide unmatched benefits in cementing and drilling fluids in virtually any downhole environment. The conference is November 12-15 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. We will be presenting in booth 13212.
We will also be celebrating the opening of our newest distribution location in Singapore, making the world’s only true source of Gilsonite even easier to source for our South East Asia customers. (And another distribution center is coming soon to Dubai!)
If you’re planning to be at ADIPEC, stop by our booth and learn why American Gilsonite Company should become your trusted supplier and technical partner.
Study presented at OTC Asia proves Gilsonite® is an environmentally compliant and economical fluid loss control additive for SBM
April 10, 2018
The Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC Asia) is a biennial event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 2018 event marked the recovery of the oil and gas industry in the region with more than 40,000 professionals in attendance from over 80 countries.
The highlight of American Gilsonite’s participation in OTC Asia was the presentation of a paper selected for publication at the conference. The paper, Evaluation of Uintaite and Asphaltic Additives in Synthetic Base Fluids, was displayed throughout the event in an e-poster. The study provided technical information and data about the unique qualities of Uintaite (Gilsonite®) to demonstrate its superior performance compared to other additives that are sometimes sold using the gilsonite name.

Natalie Pascarella and Ghery Sotomayor represented American Gilsonite at the event and said the presentation was well received by service companies and NOC’s in attendance – a technical audience that uses Gilsonite® uintaite routinely as their preferred fluid loss control additive for synthetic base fluids formulations.
The results of the study showed Gilsonite® to present unvarying physical and chemical properties and highest purity, as well as the highest improvement in HPHT fluid loss. SBM treated with Gilsonite® also passed USA EPA Gulf of Mexico environmental tests for deepwater discharge, while the other additives failed – showing that Gilsonite® uintaite is the best choice for drilling fluids professionals wanting to improve technical performance while protecting the environment.
American Gilsonite Company Paper Selected for Publication at the OTC Asia Conference
February 26, 2018

A paper submitted by the American Gilsonite Company has been chosen for publication at the Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC Asia), to be held March 20-23, 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. OTC Asia is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.
The paper, “Evaluation of Uintaite and Asphaltic Additives in Synthetic Base Fluids”, details a study carried out to understand the differences in technical performance and environmental compliance of Gilsonite® (Uintaite) and three other asphaltic additives, commonly referred to as “black powders”, when used in a SBM field formulation commonly used to drill deepwater wells and wells in environmentally sensitive areas. The results were conclusive and are outlined in OTC technical document (OTC-28588-MS).
Stop by and review the paper at the OTC Asia conference:
| Event: | 2018 Offshore Technology Conference Asia | |
| Publication: | Evaluation of Uintaite and Asphaltic Additives in Synthetic Base Fluids | |
| Presentation: | Friday, March 23rd 9:00 – 11:00 AM |




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