Recent Developments in Ammonium Nitrate Industry

Transformations in the Ammonium Nitrate Industry

Many new developments have taken place in ammonium nitrate industry. Key reasons for the industry's transformation include the adoption of organic and inorganic strategies by companies.

Dyno Nobel and Saudi Chemical Company Collaboration

In January 2024, Dyno Nobel signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Chemical Company Limited for the development of a new ammonium nitrate plant in Saudi Arabia. Through this MoU, Dyno Nobel will offer a range of expertise to assist the development, storage, and operation of the country’s first ever technical ammonium nitrate plant.

The two companies will also form a Joint Venture to supply nitric acid and technical ammonia nitrate to Saudi regional mining and industrial users. It will also enable Dyno Nobel to supply TAN to its international mining customers as well.

Acron Group’s Industrial Trials

In November 2023, Acron Group completed industrial trials of its premium product, Grade A Ammonium Calcium Nitrate, on greenhouse tomatoes. The company conducted its trials at the Gifts of Nature greenhouse facility. The results proved that CN is 100% water-soluble.

Fertiberia’s Low-Carbon Technical Ammonium Nitrate

In September 2023, Fertiberia introduced the world’s first low-carbon technical ammonium nitrate produced from green hydrogen. It has also signed a MoU to supply its new technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) to Orica.

Significance of Fertiberia’s Low-Carbon TAN

What makes Fertiberia’s low-carbon TAN special is that it is produced from renewable hydrogen rather than natural gas. The new variant has the potential to transform the global ammonium nitrate industry by providing a more efficient and sustainable solution than traditional TAN.

In the words of Fertiberia’s CEO, Javier Goni, “We are the first company to produce low-carbon technical ammonium nitrate on an industrial scale from renewable hydrogen. Adoption of this new variant in mining and civil infrastructure industries will ensure operations are more sustainable”.

Grupa Azoty S.A. Poland’s New Plant

In August 2023, Grupa Azoty S.A. Poland selected thyssenkrupp Uhde for a new ammonium nitrate neutralization plant. The new facility will be based on the natural circulation process and produce liquid ammonium nitrate (AN). thyssenkrupp Uhde will be solely responsible for the licensing and supply of process equipment. It will also provide technical consulting services for the detail engineering, commissioning, and construction.

The new developments highlight the efforts of companies towards innovation, sustainability, and expanding their presence. They will help companies improve production efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and meet rising demand for ammonium nitrate across various industries.

Introduction of new eco-friendly variants, such as Fertiberia’s low-carbon technical ammonium nitrate produced from green hydrogen will help end users reduce their environmental impact. Similarly, establishment of new ammonia nitrate production plants will play a key role in making the chemical more accessible and cost-efficient.

Sources:

Companies: Acron Group, Fertiberia, and thyssenkrupp Uhde