Category: Asia

The grave economic and human health consequences of the global spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) deepened in March.

The Ma’aden Wa’ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company (MWSPC) has signed a service agreement for a period of three years with DuPont Clean Technologies for its sulphuric acid plant at Sirhan. The service programme will include activity testing of catalyst samples, evaluation of catalyst performance, plant optimisation, troubleshooting and management of catalyst replacement. DuPont says that it will also track plant performance and assess its overall health using pre-agreed metrics and its proprietary PeGASyS™ gas chromatography system, which can be used to detect possible leaks in gas-gas heat exchangers, identify SO2 gas bypassing and measure overall plant conversion in order to optimise plant operation, reduce SO 2 emissions, increase production and improve converter performance.

Dr MP Sukumaran Nair, former Secretary to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Public Sector Restructuring and Audit Board for the Government of Kerala, provides an update on India’s plans to achieve self-sufficiency in urea production by 2022.

Maire Tecnimont and its urea licensing subsidiary Stamicarbon celebrated the 10th anniversary of Tecnimont’s purchase of Stamicarbon from DSM at Limbricht Castle in the Netherlands. The event, attended by Stamicarbon employees and the management of both companies, was an opportunity for the companies to reflect on the past ten years, as well as future developments and opportunities. From Maire Tecnimont’s point of view, it has enabled them to become a leading technology provider for urea production, and strengthened the group’s identity as a major technology licensor and EPC contractor for fertilizer plants. Stamicarbon was able to broaden its value proposition thanks to effective synergies with the group’s sister companies, while leveraging Maire Tecnimont’s network to expand its international footprint.

Sirius Minerals is in talks with Anglo American about a £386 million cash offer for its UK-based polyhalite mine project.