Arafura awards contract for Chemetics technology

The scope of the contract is to deliver the detailed engineering and supply of the CORE-SO₂™ sulfuric acid plant plus the associated oxygen plant on a lump sum basis. The sulfuric acid plant at Arafura’s Nolans Project will be designed to meet tomorrow’s emission performance and clean energy transition goals.

Leveraging CORE-SO₂™’s high turndown capability and the potential to idle the plant while keeping the catalyst warm for extended periods of time, Arafura’s new acid plant will operate with 95% reduced SO₂ emissions when compared to traditional Double Contact Double Absorption (DCDA) plants. High pressure steam production within the CORE-SO₂™ process will allow CO2-free electrical power to be generated. By removing the use of a diesel or natural gas start-up burner, further greenhouse gas emissions will be prevented.

“With this project, we will assist in Arafura’s goal to be a trusted global leader and supplier of choice for sustainably mined and processed rare earth products. With each year of plant operation, more than 700 mt of SO₂ will be converted to usable sulfuric acid rather than emitted into the atmosphere,” Chemetics Inc., President Andrew Barr said.

Additionally, being 60% smaller in size than traditional sulfuric acid plants, CORE-SO₂™ will grant Arafura significant construction advantages. Low internal gas flows and fewer pieces of equipment enable modularisation. This will minimise construction and assembly work for the remote mine site at the Nolans Project, leading to increased workforce safety and improved cost-efficiency.

“Arafura Rare Earths is very pleased to be working with Chemetics Inc as a global leader that is able provide the Nolans Project with highly efficient, robustly engineered and low emission sulfuric acid technology. This sulfuric acid plant represents a key component in achieving our sustainability goals,” General Manager Projects, Stewart Watkins, said.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/sulfur/28022023/arafura-awards-contract-for-chemetics-technology/