IMERYS to Raise Prices for Kaolin Products to the Paper Industry

IMERYS announces that the prices of selected kaolin products for
the global paper industry will increase effective from 1st December
2006, or as contracts allow.

Prices will increase by an average of US$15.00 per dry metric
tonne for Georgia hydrous kaolins, US$40.00 per dry metric tonne for
calcined kaolins and US$15.00 per dry metric tonne for Brazilian
kaolins. An energy surcharge programme based on the price of natural
gas will remain in effect, as contracts allow.

Imerys has continued to improve productivity and manage its
overall cost base to provide cost-effective products and services to
the paper industry. Despite these efforts, the escalation of energy,
chemical, mining, transportation and other related costs have
continued.

These levels of price increase are necessary to enable Imerys to
achieve a sustainable kaolin business that meets the needs of the
paper industry, both today and in the future.

ends

6th October 2006

Notes to editors:

IMERYS Pigments for Paper is a world leading producer of white
pigments, manufacturing kaolin, ground calcium carbonate (GCC) and
precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The business group serves the
needs of the international paper industry and employs 3024 people,
operates 45 industrial sites in 21 countries and represents 25% of
Imerys' overall revenue.