Pacer Corp., a mica and feldspar mining and processing company in Custer, is expanding its operations to develop a cooperative program with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDSM&T) and increase its abilities to mill a more refined mica. The expansion is projected to create 40 jobs, and indirectly impact an additional 43 jobs through its suppliers and increased consumer spending.

Pacer Corp. will develop a cooperative program with SDSM&T’s Center for Advanced Applications at the Nanoscale (CAAN). The program will provide for the purchase of a jet mill and related equipment; a graduate student to conduct research, development, testing and evaluation of advanced polymer composites derived from mica at the micro and nano-scale; an undergraduate student to participate under the direction of the graduate student; and SDSM&T’s recognition of Pacer as a customer.

George “Duff” Kruse, Pacer plant manager, views the partnership with the SDSM&T as a necessity to moving the plant to the next level.

“When we go into research and development based markets, we need the SDSM&T to back us up to continue moving forward,” said Kruse.

Pacer will move its operations to the southern end of the city to increase processing capacity, become more efficient, be more environmentally-friendly and tap into more lucrative markets for their product.

The purchase of the jet mill will allow Pacer to produce a more refined mica that can be used for exterior automotive coatings, glossy paper coatings and glass. The unique properties of Black Hills mica with the use of the jet mill will create a durable, lucrative product.