This followed a competitive tendering process initiated and completed in 2016. Fluor will book the undisclosed contract value in the March quarter of 2017.

Rick Koumouris, president of Fluor’s Mining & Metals business, commented: “Fluor will provide a highly qualified design and optimisation team with world-class process infrastructure credentials for this important fertilizer project.

“In addition to working with Danakali to maximise project capital efficiency during the study and execution phases, Fluor will bring top-notch project financing expertise and assistance to help Danakali advance this project to the next phase.”

The Colluli deposit is located in the Danakil region of Eritrea, approximately 177km southeast of the capital, Asmara. Approval of the social and environmental impact assessment for the project was given by the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment in December 2016. The award of the Mining Agreement and Mining License for the project is progressing well.