SO4 Announces Production of First Organic Sulphate of Potash at Western Australian Facility
- 25-Jul-2024 12:21 PM
- Journalist: Stella Fernandes
SO4, a subsidiary of Sev.en Global Investments, has achieved a major milestone in the development of organic Sulphate of Potash (SOP) in Australia and is making substantial progress toward full commercial operation. After years of dedicated effort, the company has successfully produced its first high-quality SOP at its Lake Way facility.
The project, based in Western Australia, has been in development for over seven years. Sev.en Global Investments' acquisition of SO4 in October 2022 has been followed by significant capital injections aimed at comprehensively upgrading the production infrastructure. Key upgrades include the installation of advanced flotation units in the process plant, which have been crucial for effectively managing the varied feedstock from the pond network. These improvements have played a pivotal role in optimizing the production of organic SOP and advancing the project towards its goal of full commercial operation.
Although the process plant is still in the commissioning phase, the successful production of SOP "Prime High K Standard"—with 53% K2O and less than 1.0% chloride—after years of development marks a significant milestone. This achievement demonstrates the operational capability of the system and validates the effectiveness of the upgrades and investments made throughout the project's development.
Mark Sykes, Australian Country Manager for Sev.en Global Investments, praised the SO4 team for their exceptional performance in advancing the SOP mining and production facilities. He emphasized that this significant milestone showcases the team's ability to conceptualize, design, and construct world-class facilities while meeting high-quality SOP parameters. Sykes expressed pride in the team's dedication and perseverance, which has been instrumental in achieving this crucial achievement.
Alan Svoboda, CEO of Sev.en Global Investments, highlighted the significance of SO4's recent achievement in establishing itself as a leading producer of organic SOP in both Australia and globally. With the production of the first high-quality product, SO4 has completed a critical phase of its investment mission. Svoboda expressed enthusiasm for advancing to full-scale commercial operations and emphasized the company's openness to partnering with long-term strategic players. These collaborations would help leverage the premium organic nature of the SOP product and expand its reach in the global market.
By utilizing solar evaporation ponds to extract potassium-rich salts, SO4 has achieved a significant advancement in the sustainable production of SOP. The project has navigated and overcome numerous complex challenges, demonstrating resilience and innovation. Sev.en Global Investments is now focused on bringing the project to full production. The aim is to position SO4 as a key supplier of high-quality, sustainable fertilizer for Australian agriculture and global markets, particularly for organic farming applications.
Upon completion of the development phase, SO4 is set to produce over 200,000 tons of premium Sulphate of Potash (SOP) annually. This will position the company as a major supplier of market-leading organic potassium-based fertilizers, both within Australia and on the global stage.