Page 143 - CW E-Magazine (31-12-2024)

Fertilisers

RAW MATERIALS
RCF explores rock phosphate supply from Mauritania

Public sector fertiliser producer, ernment’s decision to classify the fertili-
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers ser sector as a “Non-Strategic Sector,”
(RCF), is actively exploring opportu- which pushes for disinvestment of pub-
nities to source rock phosphate from lic sector undertakings (PSUs), while
Mauritania, even as other Indian ferti- categorising phosphatic and potassic
liser companies are fi nalising memo- minerals as “Critical and Strategic.”
randums of understanding (MoUs) with The committee called this approach
suppliers in Togo. contradictory.

These efforts are part of India’s Preferential allotment for PSUs
strategic initiative to secure an uninter- The panel urged the government
rupted supply of critical crop nutrients. to prioritise PSUs in mineral mine
allotments. It emphasized the historical
The Parliamentary Standing Com- Russia, and Belarus to secure raw importance of PSUs in fertiliser pro-
mittee on Chemicals and Fertilizers materials at competitive prices. duction and recommended granting
has highlighted the government’s role them preferential access to critical
in facilitating partnerships with re- Concerns over mineral mine auctions mineral resources.
source-rich nations. According to the The committee expressed concerns
committee’s report, the Department about recent policy changes by the Transitioning to direct cash transfers
of Fertilisers (DoF) has been encour- Ministry of Mines. The inclusion of Since 2018, the government has
aging Indian companies to establish phosphatic and potassic minerals in the implemented Direct Benefi t Transfer
agreements, MoUs, and joint ventures list of ‘Critical and Strategic Minerals’ (DBT) in fertilisers, providing 100%
with international suppliers to ensure a has opened these resources for auction, subsidy payments to manufacturers
steady supply of raw materials, inter- prioritising state revenue. This change based on actual sales.
mediates, and fi nished fertilisers. requires fertiliser companies to com-
pete in auctions for new mineral mines. The committee suggested it is time
The DoF has initiated discussions to shift to a direct cash transfer model
with representatives from Togo, Nauru, The report also criticised the gov- for greater effi ciency and transparency.

MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT
Casale’s technology successfully commissioned

at RCF AN plant

Technology and engineering company “This project represents another a blog post by Casale on their website
Casale has announced the successful successful implementation of Casale’s said. Casale provided the license, process
commissioning and start-up of the new proprietary NitroPIPE technology in design package, proprietary items, and
425-tpd (tonnes per day) ammonium India, reinforcing the effi ciency, reli- review of key engineering documents,
nitrate (AN) melt facility for Rashtriya ability, and innovation of our advanced working closely with Larsen & Toubro
Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF) process solutions. as the main EPC contractor to ensure
at their Trombay site. Executed on seamless execution and commissioning.
an LSTK basis by Larsen & Toubro The plant’s exceptional performance In November 2024, the plant successfully
(Energy Hydrocarbon Division), the underscores the value of our technology passed the guarantee test run, confi rming
plant has exceeded performance expec- in delivering superior results, ensuring its performance in terms of production
tations, marking a major milestone for high operational effi ciency, and support- capacity, product quality, and environ-
Casale and the Indian nitrates industry. ing sustainable production practices,” mental compliance.

Chemical Weekly December 31, 2024 143

Contents Index to Advertisers Index to Products Advertised