1. vb. [Drilling Fluids]

To improve a mineral or ore for its designed use through chemical treatments or mechanical processes. For example, barite and bentonite clay minerals are beneficiated in order to help them meet specifications for use in drilling fluids.

Reference: Garrett RL: "Quality Requirements for Industrial Minerals Used in Drilling Fluids," Mining Engineering 39, no. 11 (November 1987): 1011-1016.

See: bentonite,  clay extender,  ion exchange,  peptized clay,  PHPA mud