The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), the largest multi-commodity firm in the Middle East, has signed a frame agreement with Metso and thyssenkrupp Uhde for the development and licensing of a phosphogypsum processing solution for the calcination plant at Ras Al Khair in Saudi Arabia.
The plant will use sulfur for the calcination of phosphogypsum and include technologies for CO2 capturing with lime produced from the calcination. The process will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions across Ma’aden’s phosphate business, making it more sustainable in the long term. Ma’aden’s patented concept will allow the company to use new technology to reduce carbon emissions and recycle phosphogypsum into a useful resource. Metso’s role in this development is to provide technology knowhow for this unique process.
The complex will enable the deployment of an innovative patented concept, which has been officially recognised by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent will allow Ma’aden to use new technology to reduce carbon emissions and recycle phosphogypsum into a useful resource.
The patented approach is dual-purpose, not only contributing to global warming mitigation through sustainable carbon dioxide (CO2) capturing but also providing a viable solution for recycling phosphogypsum, addressing two of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the phosphate industry – the decarbonisation of polluted CO2 and the effective utilisation of phosphogypsum, a by-product of phosphate production often left in large quantities.
Ma’aden committed to sustainability
Hasan Ali, Executive Vice President, Ma’aden Phosphate, said: “This pioneering patent, combined with our new CO2 capturing complex, underscores Ma’aden’s commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working with Metso and thyssenkrupp Uhde to develop this important project that will truly change and reduce the carbon footprint of our phosphate business. It puts us at the forefront of innovation, turning what was once leftover material into a valuable resource, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. It’s a giant leap towards a sustainable future.”
Hannes Storch, Vice President for Metals and Chemicals Processing at Metso, added: “We’re excited to see this unique project moving forward. The new concept for the phosphogypsum processing will be a major step forward in the fertilizer industry, contributing to sustainability targets, such as waste recovery and limiting global warming. Metso will contribute to the project with our extensive expertise and experience in the field of fluid bed, gas cleaning and sulfuric acid solutions.”
Lucretia Löscher, COO, thyssenkrupp Uhde, commented: “We are honoured to be chosen by our esteemed customer to provide our technology and expertise. We are providing the innovative process to turn the phosphate industry into a circular economy. This project will be another important milestone for thyssenkrupp Uhde in enabling the green transformation for our customers.”