I wonder if they see some business options in the future or are just being proactive if something comes up.

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/8...


Subject to Completion, Dated September 9, 2009

PROSPECTUS

AMCOL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

$200,000,000
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock1
Depositary Shares
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
Warrants
_____________________

From time to time, we may offer, issue and sell up to an aggregate of $200,000,000 of any combination of the following types of securities: debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated, convertible or non-convertible; shares of our common stock; shares of our preferred stock1; depositary shares; stock purchase contracts; stock purchase units; and warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares. This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to the offered securities. The specific terms and amounts of the offered securities will be fully described in supplements to this prospectus, which may add, update or change information in this prospectus.