An apparatus for preparing input material for use in a block press includes a homogenizing device, a de-densification device, a liquid additive passage and a plurality of spray heads. The homogenizing device is configured for outputting input material of a prescribed maximum size. The de-densification device is configured for enabling the input material to be reduced from a first bulk density to a second bulk density less than the first bulk density. The de-densification device receives the input material from the homogenizing device. Input material from the de-densification device falls through the liquid additive passage under the gravitational force. The spray heads are exposed within the liquid additive passage for providing a spray of liquid additive within the liquid additive passage whereby the input material is exposed to the spray of liquid additive after being reduced from the first bulk density to the second bulk density.