Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric Acid - NEWS

Updated April 30, 2025

2025

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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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.


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