To help the Philippines meet its fertiliser requirements, mining and exploration company Intex Resources Phils. Inc. has redesigned its nickel processing facility in Mindoro province to produce fertiliser as a by-product.
In a statement, Intex President Atty. Leo Cleto Gamolo said the company's move to produce ammonium sulphate and cobalt compounds will also result in foreign exchange savings "in terms of fertilizer that will no longer have to be imported."
Citing data from the National Statistics Office, Intex said the country has imported some $524.02 million worth of fertilizers for the first 11 months of 2008. Of the total amount, $182.1 million represented importations of urea fertilizer, while the remaining $341.92 million were for non-urea fertilizers, under which ammonium sulphate is categorized.
"In addition to ammonium sulphate, the reconfigured Mindoro Nickel Project will be able to produce another by-product: cobalt compounds in the form of sulphates, carbonates, hydroxides and oxides," Gamolo said.
In agriculture, cobalt compounds can be blended with fertilizer or used as a dietary supplement for livestock. The substances are also used in the production of rechargeable batteries for cellular phones: a consumer product that is in great demand especially in countries like the Philippines.
In producing nickel and by-products, Gamolo said Intex will be generating its own power in an environment-friendly manner, mostly using carbon-free energy instead of using fossil fuels. This means Intex will not be depending on Mindoro's power for its plant requirements.
"In fact, there is the possibility that we will be generating more power than we actually would need. Initially, we will be generating around 50 megawatts, which will subsequently increase to 80 megawatts. The excess can be passed on Mindoro's powergrid," Gamolo said.
Source: ABS-CBN News
No comments:
Post a Comment