S\u00e3o Paulo \u2013 State-owned Algerian energy company energy company Sonatrach, known for its oil and gas operations, has taken further steps to implement a major fertilizer project, the Integrated Phosphate Project (IPP). According to press reports, Sonatrach and the Algerian Fertilizer Company (AFC) signed two engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts on Wednesday (12) with companies from China and Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a statement released by Sonatrach, the IPP is a strategic megaproject for Algeria’s economy that will help meet the country\u2019s growing agricultural needs while also generating volumes for export through the port facilities in Annaba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the contracts was signed with Italian company Saipem SpA for the construction of fertilizer processing and production facilities in Bled El Hadba, in Bir El Ater province, and Oued El Keberit, in Souk Ahras province. The second contract, with China’s China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), covers the construction of facilities at the Port of Annaba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broadly, the IPP involves phosphate extraction and beneficiation in Bled El Hadba, followed by chemical processing, as well as natural gas processing in Oued El Keberit to produce phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers. Sonatrach said it is Algeria’s first integrated project of its kind combining mining and fertilizer production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The IPP will involve the construction of a major industrial infrastructure. This will include a complex for the extraction and beneficiation of raw phosphate, another industrial complex comprising several production units, port facilities in Annaba, as well as utilities and supporting infrastructure required to operate the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read also<\/em>: Translated by Guilherme Miranda<\/strong><\/p>\n
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