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Nitrogen+Syngas 396 Jul-Aug 2025

21 July 2025

NOx release at Austin Powder

There has been a release of nitrogen oxides from Austin Powder’s Red Diamond plant in Ohio. The company says that the decomposition of nitric acid caused the incident due to elevated temperatures inside a 5,000-gallon storage tank. This led to a visible release of nitrogen oxide gas, which was vented through the plant’s built-in safety systems. Austin Powder says that its team activated emergency response protocols and notified the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Air quality modelling conducted at the property’s fence line confirmed that NOx levels remained below health-hazard thresholds. The company is conducting an internal investigation to determine the root cause of the temperature rise that led to the gas release.

Latest in Agricultural

JPMC and APC expand fertilizer production

Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and Arab Potash Company (APC) have signed an agreement to develop an integrated industrial complex for the production of phosphoric acid, purified phosphoric acid, and specialised fertilisers. The facility will span sites in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and Al Shediyeh, and represents a strategic collaboration between two of Jordan’s largest mining companies. The project aims to shift the country’s fertilizer sector from raw-material exports to value-added manufacturing, aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision. The complex will focus on high-purity phosphoric acid used in specialty fertilizers, as well as in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics applications. It is also expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, with plans for training programmes for local engineers and technicians.

OCP Nutricrops surpasses 5 million tonnes of TSP

In late July, OCP Nutricrops announced that its triple superphosphate (TSP) production capacity now exceeds five million tonnes, thanks to the commissioning of the first two TSP production lines – each with a capacity of 500,000 t/a – as part of the strategic ‘TSP Hub’ programme at OCP’s massive Jorf Lasfar complex. This initiative is led by the OCP Group’s Manufacturing Special Business Unit (SBU) in coordination with OCP Nutricrops, OFAS and JESA. These flexible production lines can manufacture tailored fertilizers that integrate nutrients and additives to match specific soil and crop needs, OCP Nutricrops said.

CIL to increase BMCC stake

India’s Coromandel International (CIL) is set to increase its stake in phosphate rock producer Baobab Mining and Chemicals Corporation (BMCC) in Senegal further to 71.51% from 53.8%, according to local press reports. CIL is reportedly paying $7.7 million for an additional 17.69% equity stake, after previously raising its stake from 45% in September 2024. CIL originally announced it would take a stake in BMCC in 2022, when it paid $19.6 million for a 45% stake, along with a loan of $9.7 million into BMCC for capital projects and expansion. CIL plans to use the stake to ensure long term supply security of phosphate rock.