Centrex receives further test work results on phosphate rock concentrate

Centrex claims that it is planning to ship the premium grade phosphate rock with ultra-low cadmium levels from the Port of Townsville for sale in Australia, as well as to other customers within the region. KemWorks carried out fertilizer conversion test work in order to provide an independent analysis of the performance of the product. Centrex intends to use the results of the test to provide an assessment of the quality of the rock as a feedstock to the fertilizer plants of potential customers.

Centrex previously reported test work results by KemWorks on the production of phosphoric acid using the dehydrate process route (primary production method). Phosphoric acid production is the main end use of phosphate rock, and the focus for potential customers for Ardmore throughout Asia.

A secondary end use of phosphate rock is for the direct manufacture of single superphosphate (SSP). Australia and New Zealand import approximately 1 million t of phosphate rock, mostly from North Africa for the production of SSP. In the statement, Centrex claims that it is targeting substitution of these imports given the premium grade of the Ardmore phosphate rock concentrate, its ultra-low cadmium levels, and its freight advantage over current exporters. Cadmium is a toxic metal that can be absorbed by plants through fertilizer use and introduced into the food production chain. Ardmore has almost no cadmium.

Centrex claims that the SSP work by KemWorks has demonstrated that SSP produced from the Ardmore phosphate rock concentrate achieved or exceeded the necessary specifications for the key industry benchmark parameters, making it an excellent potential feedstock.

The first of two previously announced 400 t paid customer trials of Ardmore run of mine phosphate rock ore in an industrial scale SSP plant will be run this week. The second of the two trials at the second potential customer’s plant is expected to run soon after.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/09072018/centrex-receives-further-test-work-results-on-phosphate-rock-concentrate/