EXHIBIT 23.1

                               CONSENT OF KPMG LLP

The Board of Directors
AMCOL International:

We consent to the use of our report dated February 28, 2003, with respect to the
consolidated balance sheets of AMCOL International  Corporation and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 2002 and 2001,  and the related  consolidated  statements  of
operations,  comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the  three-year  period ended  December  31, 2002,  incorporated
herein by reference.

Our report refers to a change in the method of accounting for goodwill.

                                                             KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
November 14, 2003