Section: CRUSU Industry News

A UK–based energy watchdog, the Impact Investigators Platform (IIP), has dismissed allegations that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported substandard gasoline into Nigeria, describing the claims as “technically inaccurate, commercially implausible, and unsupported by verifiable evidence.” The IIP said its independent assessment of shipping data, customs declarations, and refinery process documentation found no indication that the refinery imported or sold Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with sulphur levels above Nigeria’s approved limit of 50 parts per million (ppm). The investigation followed media reports alleging that a vessel had delivered high-sulphur gasoline to the Dangote Refinery under the guise of locally refined products. However, the IIP clarified that the cargo in question was an intermediate feedstock , a raw material used for refining and not finished gasoline meant for retail.

Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL) has announced a $400 million capacity expansion program, following its October 13th merger with Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (MCFL). This company says that the move aims to strengthen PPL's market position and enhance its production capabilities. The investment will involve increasing granulation capacity by 1.0 million t/a at the Paradeep site, as well as an additional 250,000 t/a of phosphoric acid and 750,000 t/a of sulphuric acid capacity at the company’s new Mangalore site. The expansion is expected to be completed within three years, according to PPL, and is expected to ensure 100% backward integration for fertilizer production, reduce import dependency, and enhance operational capabilities and profitability. low-contaminant phosphate concentrate that allows for easy conversion into purified phosphoric acid. The company has spent over C$100 million advancing the project and has received funding and investment from the Quebec Government.

Axens, pending regulatory approval, to become sole owner of Eurecat

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Travertine Technologies Inc's demonstration plant will produce 125 tonnes per year of sulfuric acid, 125 tonnes per year of calcium carbonate, and 55 tonnes per year of gross carbon dioxide sequestration

Mining giant Glencore says it has no choice but to start work on placing the loss-making Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery in Australia into care and maintenance until market conditions improve. The company expects to report a A$2.2 billion (US$1.44 billion) loss from the operations between 2025 and 2031.

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara has signed a heads of agreement with Shenzhen-based GEM Limited to jointly develop a high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) nickel facility with a capacity of 66,000 t/a of nickel. The project carries an estimated value of $1.42 billion. GEM is a global leader in green metallurgy and circular economy solutions, known for its large-scale recycling of electric vehicle batteries and electronic waste.

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.

Aurubis says that it has successfully completed scheduled maintenance at its Pirdop plant on time. The two-month operation marked the largest planned maintenance shutdown at the site in the past 30 years. With an investment of €115 million, Aurubis says the work ensures the long-term reliability and performance of the facility. Key upgrades included a full overhaul of the flash smelter, replacement of two electrostatic precipitators, and a major modernisation of the sulphuric acid production line. This modernisation involved installing a new converter and replacing six heat exchangers.

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.