KROPZ, Africa-based company focused on responsible rock phosphate exploration, mining and processing, has announced first production of phosphate rock concentrate from its Elandsfontein operation in South Africa. Elandsfontein commenced plant commissioning in 4Q21 and has achieved a concentrate grade of 31% P2O5, in line with management expectations. Concentrate samples will now be prepared for shipment to a number of potential buyers to confirm product specifications. Sales to smaller local customers in South Africa will commence in late March 2022. The focus at Elandsfontein now shifts to increasing ramp-up of operations to achieve nameplate capacity and enable the first commercial large scale shipment of concentrate while optimizing process recoveries. All the required reagents have been received onsite for the commissioning and initial ramp-up activities. Full production capacity is expected by early 4Q22. “We are delighted to have reached this significant production milestone for the company,” Mark Summers, CEO of Kropz, commented. “The interest that we are receiving from the market and industry is positive. We look forward to providing further updates as we optimize processing recoveries and make our first bulk sales.”
MA’ADEN, a Saudi state-owned mining company headquartered in Riyadh, has accomplished the loading of its first cargo from its new ammonia berth in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia. Ma’aden’s maritime ammonia fleet now consists of seven vessels, which will leverage Ma’aden’s ammonia shipping capacity of 2 million tpy. “These new ammonia vessels will strengthen Ma’aden’s logistics capabilities and enable us to best serve our customers in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner,” Hassan Al Ali, Senior Vice President of Ma’aden’s Phosphate and Industrial Minerals business, commented. “Ma’aden’s ammonia business is an integral part of our broader phosphate portfolio and expanding our ammonia fleet will help us deliver on our ambition to protect global food security by providing farmers with optimized fertilizer products to enhance crop yields.”
