Sulphuric Acid -
NEWS
Updated May 15, 2025
2025
Yuntong Zinc Commences Commissioning of 150,000 tpy Smelter Featuring
153 m3 Fluidized Roaster
Kazatomprom obtains financing for sulphuric acid plant
BASF Invests in New Semiconductor-grade Sulfuric Acid Plant in
Ludwigshafen
China’s KMCJNC Soars on New USD265 Million Phosphate Chemical Project in
Egypt
[Interacid North America] SATCO and Saconix Merge to Form Interacid
North America, Inc.
Ecovyst Announces Agreement to Acquire Sulfuric Acid Assets from
Cornerstone Chemical Company
The world's most climate-efficient zinc smelter is inaugurated
Life still left in Mount Isa copper smelter, Glencore confirms
PASAR to Enter Care and Maintenance
Elessent Clean Technologies Celebrates 100 Years of MECS® Sulfuric Acid
Catalyst
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Yuntong Zinc Commences Commissioning of 150,000 tpy Smelter
Featuring 153 m3 Fluidized
Roaster
May 15, 2025 - Yuntong Zinc Launches
Commissioning of 150,000 tpy Smelter with 153 m3 Fluidized
Roaster. On the evening of April 30, Yuntong Zinc officially began
commissioning of its 153 m3 fluidized bed roaster, a key
component of its 150,000 tonnes-per-year zinc smelting project.
Construction of the project started in December 2023. As of now, the
roasting and sulfuric acid systems are operating smoothly, with stable
control of key parameters. Equipment functions remain reliable, and both
the feed and discharge systems are running normally. Main
products—calcine and sulfuric acid—are being produced as expected.
Kazatomprom obtains financing for sulphuric acid plant
May 13, 2025 - Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, has
agreed a financing deal with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for
construction of the Taikonur sulphuric acid plant in Turkestan, it said
on Tuesday. The total cost of the project is about 113 billion
tenge ($222.5 million), with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan loan
financing of 85 billion tenge.Kazatomprom said the plant is scheduled
for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
BASF Invests in New Semiconductor-grade
Sulfuric Acid Plant in Ludwigshafen
April 29, 2025 - BASF will expand its
production capacity for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which
is an essential ultra-pure chemical. The new production facility at its
Ludwigshafen site in Germany will feature cutting-edge purity
capabilities to serve growing demand for advanced semiconductor chip
manufacturing across Europe. Operations are expected to start by 2027,
coinciding with the capacity expansion of key customers. The BASF
investment will be in a high double-digit million-euro range. With
several new chip manufacturing plants being constructed or expanded in
Europe, there is an increasingly strong demand for high-quality and
high-purity semiconductor-grade chemicals, such as sulfuric acid. This
need has been accelerated by a close cooperation partner of BASF, who is
currently building a new chip production plant in Europe. These chips
are used in automotive, mobile communications and AI chip applications.
BASF is investing in the semiconductor chemical value chain based on
mutual long-term customer-supplier commitments with its strategic
partners. This expansion will greatly enhance supply chain reliability
for BASF’s partners by ensuring a dependable and consistent supply of
high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid produced locally.
Located at the heart of BASF’s integrated chemical production site in
Ludwigshafen, the state-of-the-art production plant, backed by rigorous
quality control measures, will ensure that customers receive chemicals
of exceptional purity and quality, necessary for advanced semiconductor
manufacturing processes. Additionally, production in proximity to key
customer operations allows BASF to better meet their needs, providing
prompt support and minimizing lead times. Anup Kothari, member of the
Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for the Dispersions
& Resins division, commented: “We are proud to have earned the trust of
key players in the semiconductor sector and to serve them as their
partner of choice in establishing the future supply chain for advanced
semiconductor materials in Europe. This strategic move underscores
BASF’s commitment to supporting the growth of the advanced semiconductor
industry in Europe while further leveraging the Ludwigshafen Verbund
site.”
China’s KMCJNC Soars on New USD265 Million Phosphate Chemical
Project in Egypt
April 18, 2025 - Shares of Chuan Jin Nuo Chemical surged after the
Chinese producer of phosphate chemicals, which nearly quadrupled its net
profit in the first quarter, announced a CNY1.9 billion (USD265 million)
plan to build a factory in Egypt to reduce its raw material and export
costs. KMCJNC, a producer of chemicals used in fertilizers and
batteries [SHE: 300505], closed 6.5 percent higher at CNY16.95 (USD2.30)
in Shenzhen today, after surging as much as 8.7 percent during intraday
trading. The industrial firm with experience in the Egyptian
market will construct facilities in the North African country to produce
a range of intermediates and finished products, the Kunming-based
company revealed in its first-quarter earnings report yesterday. The
plant will have a three-year construction timeline. The factory
will be capable of producing 800,000 tons of sulfuric acid and 300,000
tons of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate per year. Other core products will
include phosphoric acid and sodium fluorosilicate. At full
capacity, the plant is expected to generate over CNY2 billion in annual
revenue and CNY300 million (USD41 million) in net profit, according to
feasibility studies. It is also projected to bring Egypt more than
USD300 million in foreign exchange earnings, provide hundreds of jobs,
and generate tax revenue. Egypt's strategic location at the
crossroads of three continents, coupled with its position as the world's
third-largest holder of phosphate reserves, will optimize the firm’s
business operations and significantly reduce raw material and export
transportation costs, according to KMCJNC. The Chinese company has
been importing phosphate ore from Egypt since 2022 and has a
comprehensive understanding of local supply dynamics, ensuring stable
raw material procurement, it added. KMCJNC’s first-quarter report
shows that the company earned CNY721 million (USD99 million) in revenue,
up 24 percent year-on-year, while its net profit surged nearly fourfold
to CNY72 million (USD9.9 million). The firm attributed the growth to
flexible production adjustments, a focus on high-margin products, and
improved cost control. KMCJNC operates two production bases: one
in Kunming and another in the southern port city of Fangcheng, in the
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Last year, more than half of the
firm's revenue came from exports, mainly to South Asia, Southeast Asia,
and South America, per the annual report. KMCJNC has no
operations in North America, which shields it from the adverse impacts
of "reciprocal tariffs" implemented by the Donald Trump administration
earlier this month, according to a separate announcement also issued
yesterday.
[Interacid North America] SATCO and
Saconix Merge to Form Interacid North America, Inc.
April 9, 2025 – Saconix, Inc. and Sulphuric Acid
Trading Company Inc. (SATCO) announced today that Saconix has merged
into SATCO. As part of this exciting development, the merged
companies have formed a new entity: Interacid North America, Inc.
(Interacid North America). Interacid North America will continue
to honor all obligations of SATCO and Saconix and seek to further
enhance its services through this merger. Both SATCO and Saconix (now
Interacid North America) are group companies of Sumitomo Corporation of
Americas, the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, a global
leader in trading and investment. SATCO has imported and
distributed sulfuric acid in the United States for over 30 years,
initially operating out of its Port Tampa Bay marine terminal, then
expanded its operations in 2019 with the opening of its new import
terminal located at the Port of Stockton in California.
Saconix is an industry-leading distribution and logistics partner for
sulfuric acid and other industrial chemicals with strategically located
assets across North America. Like SATCO, Saconix is known for its
reliability and high quality of service. The merger promises
substantial benefits for all stakeholders by combining the strengths of
both companies to maximize operational efficiency. Key advantages
include:
·
Maintaining relationships with local contacts: Customers will continue
to work with the same local point of contact they know and trust, while
benefiting from Interacid North America’s expanded global network.
·
Access to technological and intelligence resources: Leveraging the
combined resources from the merger will provide customers with
cutting-edge technology and intelligence to support their business
needs.
·
World-class logistics and tank operations: Interacid North America is
committed to delivering excellence to its customers across every
touchpoint, ensuring the seamless transport, storage and delivery of
sulfuric acid. This merger increases Interacid North America’s footprint
and facilities.
In lockstep with the merger, Interacid Trading
S.A., Interacid Chile, and Interacid North America have rebranded
under Interacid Group. The companies have come together to form a global
network dedicated to the trading, storage, transport and solution
services of sulfuric acid within their respective markets. The
formation of this global brand will benefit all stakeholders by
maximizing the group’s collective strengths. Even more, as subsidiaries
of Sumitomo Corporation Group, Interacid Group has unrivaled access to
the global marketplace through Sumitomo Corporation’s extensive network.
Key drivers for the rebranding include:
1. A Unified Global
Identity:Linking Interacid Trading S.A., Interacid Chile, and the newly
formed Interacid North America enhances each company’s identity and
recognition in the global marketplace.
2. Reinforcing a
Commitment to Core Values: Interacid Group remains steadfast in its
values: Safety at our Core, Customer-Committed, Unwavering Integrity,
Rock-Solid Reliability, and Visionary Thinking. The rebrand signals
global opportunities and expanded solutions that foster growth and
innovation.
3. Operational
Continuity and Enhancements:Interacid Group’s daily operations and
company culture remain unchanged, emphasizing collaboration, excellence,
and shared purpose.
4. Honoring Legacy and
Embracing the Future:Supported by Sumitomo Corporation Group’s esteemed
legacy, Interacid Group aims to preserve valued traditions while
elevating its global presence – One brand, one mission, one future
Ecovyst Announces Agreement to
Acquire Sulfuric Acid Assets from Cornerstone Chemical Company
March 18, 2025 - Ecovyst Inc., a leading
integrated and innovative global provider of advanced materials,
specialty catalysts, virgin sulfuric acid and sulfuric acid regeneration
services, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire
the sulfuric acid production assets of Cornerstone Chemical Company
located in Waggaman, Louisiana. The acquisition is expected to expand
Ecoservices' capacity to serve regeneration and virgin sulfuric acid
customers and provide for enhanced flexibility within the Company's
existing plant network in the Gulf Coast. Ecovyst plans to fund the
acquisition with cash on hand, and the transaction is targeted to close
in the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
"The acquisition of Cornerstone's sulfuric acid assets represents a
unique opportunity for Ecoservices to strengthen its network of
facilities and expand its ability to support the future growth needs of
our customers, on a cost-efficient basis," said George L. Vann,
President of Ecoservices. "We look forward to serving
the Waggaman plant's existing customers and strategically incorporate
the acquired assets to support the future growth needs of Ecoservices'
customers." "Given its proximity to our existing Baton Rouge site
and alignment with our broader Gulf Coast operations, the acquisition of
Cornerstone's sulfuric acid assets not only complements Ecoservices'
current footprint but is also expected to bolster the resilience of its
overall plant network. We are acquiring the assets at a cost below
replacement value, aligning with our plan for executing on our
high-return organic growth initiatives and targeting strategic bolt-on
investments in Ecoservices. Additionally, the assets are being acquired
at a transaction multiple basis that is favorable compared to Ecovyst's
current trading multiple, considering the expected pro forma EBITDA
post-integration," said Kurt J. Bitting, Ecovyst's Chief Executive
Officer. "We believe this acquisition is well-aligned with the Company's
strategy of prioritizing and pursuing actions that will maximize
Ecoservices' value creation potential for shareholders."
The world's most climate-efficient zinc smelter is inaugurated
March 17, 2025 - Today, the world's most
climate-efficient zinc smelter is inaugurated. In recent years, Boliden
has made extensive investments with the aim of nearly doubling zinc
production at Boliden Odda in Norway. The inauguration is a key
milestone as it is Boliden's largest investment to be completed and one
of Norway's largest industrial investments on the mainland ever.
100 years ago, zinc production began in Odda, supported by the
development of hydropower in the region. Now a new era is beginning as
the largest development step ever in the business begins. In addition to
a large amount of infrastructure being built, primarily for logistics
and energy, a new roasting furnace and a new sulfuric acid plant, as
well as a new cellhouse, have been built. Furthermore, the leaching and
cleaning plant and the foundry have been expanded and modernized.
"This is a historic day from several perspectives. We will almost double
the production of the world's most climate-efficient zinc. This is zinc
that will primarily be used as rust protection in a variety of European
applications and thereby be part of a responsible climate transition of
our common continent. At the same time, this is a flagship for Norwegian
industry to be proud of for another hundred years," says Mikael Staffas,
President and CEO of Boliden. The investments will result in a
production capacity equivalent to 350 ktonnes, compared to the previous
200 ktonnes. In addition, additional metals will be extracted from the
raw material, which will result in less waste. Through the increase in
production, Boliden Odda will establish itself as Europe's second
largest and the world's most productive zinc smelter. The plant will
produce 1,000 tonnes of cast zinc per full-time employee (FTE) each
year. Zinc is the world's fourth most widely used metal. The main
area of application is to protect steel structures against corrosion.
The construction sector, together with the automotive industry, is
therefore the largest users of zinc. In addition, the energy sector is a
growing consumer of zinc, as wind turbines, for example, are often
located in environments exposed to corrosion. Other areas of application
include fertilizer, as a large amount of agricultural land globally is
zinc deficient. The addition of zinc thus contributes to higher food
production.
Life still left in Mount Isa copper
smelter, Glencore confirms
February 26, 2025 - Glencore says it is working
with the Crisafulli government to secure the future of the Mount Isa
Mines copper smelter. Chief executive officer Gary Nagle gave the
clearest indication yet that the smelter could continue beyond the
current 2030 scheduled closure. Speaking to national media last
week, Mr Nagle said the LNP government was offering its assistance to
keep the smelter operating. “They (LNP government) are aware of
these challenges and are looking for ways to assist us in ensuring we
can keep that smelter running longer term and hopefully be able to
invest in a re-brick if the operating and cost conditions are right,” he
said. As a lynchpin piece of infrastructure for the North West
resource sector, the future of the MIM smelter is considered a pivotal
issue to the region’s future that was also identified as a threat to
future project rollout under Mount Isa City Council’s economic
diversification plans released last week. The smelter currently
treats more than one million tonnes per annum of copper concentrate,
which includes accepting ongoing contracts from surrounding operations
in the region. Looming projects, such as the proposed Harmony Gold
Eva Copper project at Cloncurry is also expected to use the smelter and
could offer significant new throughput once its mine is operational.
Any potential closure of the smelter would cause significant disruptions
to the supply of sulphuric acid at a time when demand for the smelter
by-product is also expected to surge as a host of new projects, which
are reliant on the acid, are scheduled to become operational across the
North West over the coming decade. With more than half of the
state’s total supply of sulphuric acid coming from Mount Isa Mines,
there is expected to be significant international competition for the
acid as countries boost both food production and critical mineral
extraction. Speaking at a media briefing in Mount Isa last week,
Glencore officials warned that overseas competitors were already
receiving significant financial assistance from governments to maintain
smelting operations amid falling treatment charges and declining profit
margins. There has also been a spate of new smelters under
construction in countries such as China, India, Indonesia and parts of
Africa as nations attempt to provide security over their domestic copper
demand.
PASAR to Enter Care and Maintenance
February 24, 2025 -
Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) has
announced today that it will be putting its Leyte plant site into care
and maintenance. This decision comes as part of an ongoing evaluation of
the operation and increasingly challenging market conditions. PASAR, a
Glencore managed company, has been operating in the Philippines for over
25 years and over that time is proud to have made a significant economic
contribution to the Leyte region. The PASAR copper smelter has been a
significant part of Glencore’s operations in the region, and we are very
appreciative of our dedicated workforce at PASAR. This was not an easy
decision, but it is a necessary step in the face of current market
challenges. We understand the impact that this decision will have on our
employees, local communities, and stakeholders. PASAR is committed to
working closely with employees and local communities to provide support
during this transition to care and maintenance. The asset will be
maintained in a state of readiness whilst we continue to monitor market
conditions and consider future options and opportunities for PASAR.
Local organic employees will continue to be employed and paid until
further notice. PASAR will continue to engage with our workforce,
contractors, the Philippine Government and local community stakeholders.
Elessent Clean Technologies Celebrates 100 Years of MECS®
Sulfuric Acid Catalyst
January 2, 2025 - Elessent Clean Technologies proudly announces a
significant milestone in its rich history: 2025 marks the 100th
anniversary of MECS ® sulfuric acid catalyst products. Since 1925,
sulfur burning, metallurgical, spent acid, and wet gas sulfuric acid
plants around the globe have relied on MECS ® catalysts to reliably
convert sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in nearly
every type of converter. "Our 100-year history is a testament
to the enduring trust our customers have placed in MECS ®,” said Eli
Ben-Shoshan, CEO, Elessent Clean Technologies. “This legacy of
excellence and innovation underscores our commitment to delivering
catalyst solutions that enhance plant performance, optimize
efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.” As Elessent Clean
Technologies celebrates this remarkable 100-year milestone, the
company remains dedicated to advancing catalyst technologies that
meet the needs of the sulfuric acid industry while upholding its
commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
