Hess Perlite began mining and expansion operations back in 1965 doing business as Idaho Minerals. Expansion was initially done in a small facility next to the mine. A larger facility was later built in nearby Malad City where they had access to a rail spur. The perlite expansion facilities were later relocated to the Malad Industrial Park and upgraded for increased production capacity and improved efficiencies.

Hess Perlite is both a perlite mining and expanding operation: we sell graded crude ore for industry applications (ie. slag coagulant) and ship ore by rail to other perlite expanders. We also operate an expansion facility, producing various grades of expanded perlite that is available in palleted bags (4 cu/ft) and supersacks (55 cu/ft and 118 cu/ft).

Production Capacity. Hess Perlite has the capacity to expand 10,000 cubic feet of perlite per 24-hour period—the equivalent of 2500 4-cubic-foot bags or 85 tall supersacks. Although the perlite mine has been in operation since 1965, there are still over 10 million tons of perlite reserves remaining, all on patented ground.

Location. The offices of Hess Perlite are located in the Malad Industrial Park just south of Malad City, Idaho, which is 13 miles north of the Utah state line on Interstate 15. Use I-15 Exit #13. Turn west from the exit, then continue west until you come to a stop sign at a T-Intersection. Turn Left (South) and drive for 1 mile. Drive until you see a sign on your right that says “Malad Industrial Park - Hess Pumice Products.” Turn right at that sign. Hess Pumice is located in same park, and the Perlite and Pumice operations share the same corporate offices. The perlite facilities—production, quality control labs, warehouses, and loading docks—are located to the right as you enter the park.

Mapping Software Warning. Our address (100 Hess Drive, Malad City, Idaho) does NOT show up correctly in some mapping and direction-finding software. In fact, it places you well off-course—on the other side of the county.