GEA Barr-Rosin has recently been awarded contracts to provide a Chinese Canadian Company with drying and conditioning systems for Africa’s first potash processing plant. The new plant, which is to be located in the Republic of Congo, will be an important step towards establishing the potash industry in Africa and shows GEA’s continuous support to the industry as it expands into new territories.
GEA Barr-Rosin will provide two European-built drying and conditioning lines which will be installed as part of a complete processing plant. Special focus will be on the conditioning systems, which each include a conditioning drum, a fluidised bed dryer/cooler and a rotary coater and their ability to meet the highest product quality specifications and ensure ease of storage, handling and transport despite the tropical environment.
“To work in Africa together with our Chinese customer is a significant first for GEA Barr-Rosin,” said Dominic Kuehner, GEA Barr-Rosin Sales and Marketing Manager. “We have a great deal of experience and expertise in design, supply and installing equipment and process for the potash industry and look forward to supporting our customer in this milestone project.”
“Potash has rarely been mined in Africa before and the tropical weather conditions will be testing, but with our proven conditioning system, we will ensure distinguishing product qualities,” said Dominique Kuehner. “Potash is hydroscopic so the humid atmosphere can cause quality issues, but with our conditioning and coating technology, the customer will be able to produce granulated potash meeting the international standards”.
This project in the Republic of Congo will mine one of the world’s largest undeveloped potash deposits and produce agricultural-grade potash fertilizers to meet the growing demand from markets in Asia, South America, South Africa and Europe.
“It’s an important move for GEA Barr-Rosin. We have been able to assist with the re-build of the Republic of Congo’s industrial infrastructure, whilst simultaneously demonstrating to other Chinese investors in Africa that GEA has successfully pioneered a significant new region,” said Dominique.
The facility is scheduled to start production in 2015 and is expected to be among the world’s lowest-cost producers due to its highly efficient mining technologies, access to local natural gas, and its proximity to planned new port facilities and principal markets.
