Ma’aden starts production

Panorama

Publishing Date: 04 Jul 2011 9:38am GMT
Author: Mining Magazine

Processing

Ma’aden Phosphate Co (MPC) has begun initial production from the first sulphuric and phosphoric acid lines at its production complex in Ras Az Zawr, Saudi Arabia. The products will be used in the production of diammonium phosphate fertiliser. The production rate will be increased as other lines commence operation.

MPC is a US$5.5 billion joint venture between Ma’aden Mining (70%) and SABIC (30%). When at full production, MPC will produce approximately 3Mt/y of fertiliser. “This is the first of Ma’aden’s mega projects to become operational,” commented Khalid Al Mudaifer, president and CEO of Ma’aden. “This complex operation is the largest fully integrated phosphate fertiliser project in the world.”

MPC includes a phosphate mine and beneficiation plant at Al Jalamid in northern Saudi Arabia and a processing complex at Ras Az Zawr on the East coast. This consists of four plants producing sulphuric acid, ammonia, phosphoric acid and, fertiliser respectively. The two sites are linked by a new 1,500km railroad and supported by extensive infrastructure including a new port at Ras Az Zawr.