Kalium Lakes has awarded four contracts for the development of the purification plant facilities for its Beyondie sulphate of potash project (BSOPP) in Western Australia.
The $60 million worth of contracts will allow for early works to start, with the full scope of the project being subject to a final investment decision.
Beyondie is being developed to produce sulphate of potash (SOP), a high yield, premium fertiliser, for both the domestic and international market.
Ebtec, which is an arrangement between K-UTEC AG Salt Technologies and Ebner, will provide the engineering, procurement and supervision services for BSOPP.
Both parties have recently worked together to provide similar services for a SOP plant in Austria.
Ebtec will supply the process plant and provide equipment installation supervision, followed by the commissioning of the plant.
An engineering, procurement and construction management contract has been executed with DRA Global, which will take the lead on overall BSOPP development and commissioning. DRA has also developed the basis for the overall project scope, budget and schedule.
Maschinenfabrik Köppern GmbH & Co. KG has been awarded the engineering and supply of key equipment associated with the compaction plant for the production of granular SOP, while Firm Construction has been awarded a construction contract for the BSOPP.
Kalium Lakes’ chief development officer Rudolph van Niekerk said the company took careful consideration in choosing the right partners for the BSOPP.
“Companies with SOP specific experience and capabilities are hard to find, especially when looking for those that have taken projects from design into execution, then on to production,” he said
“After years of investigation and months of negotiation, we have compiled a contracting strategy that brings a bankable solution, as well as achieving the next significant milestone to take us into the development stage of the project.”
The contracts confirm the 15-month construction schedule, following the final investment decision, with production forecast to begin in 2020.