Ma’aden has recently announced its entry into a frame agreement with Metso and thyssenkrupp Uhde for the development and licensing of its Integrated process concept in Saudi Arabia. This strategic initiative is geared towards establishing greenfield facilities at Ras Al Khair, focusing on technology for CO2 capturing with lime produced from the calcination of phosphogypsum using sulfur. The overall objective is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Ma’aden’s phosphate business, promoting long-term sustainability.
The planned complex will facilitate the implementation of a patented concept, officially recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This patent allows Ma’aden to utilize new technology for CO2 emissions reduction and the recycling of phosphogypsum into a valuable resource.
Ma’aden’s innovative approach serves a dual purpose – contributing to global warming mitigation through sustainable CO2 capturing and providing a viable solution for recycling phosphogypsum. This addresses two critical environmental challenges in the phosphate industry, namely the reduction of CO2 emissions and effective utilization of phosphogypsum, a by-product often left in large quantities.
Hasan Ali, Executive Vice President, Ma’aden Phosphate, emphasized the significance of this pioneering patent, stating, “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, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting that the phosphogypsum processing concept would be a major step forward in the fertilizer industry. He emphasized Metso’s contribution to sustainability targets through expertise in fluid bed, gas cleaning, and sulfuric acid solutions.
Lucretia Löscher, COO thyssenkrupp Uhde, conveyed their honor in being chosen to provide technology and expertise for this innovative project. Löscher highlighted the importance of this initiative in turning the phosphate industry into a circular economy, marking a significant milestone for thyssenkrupp Uhde in enabling green transformations for their customers.
