Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric Acid - NEWS

Updated February 25, 2025

2025

Life still left in Mount Isa copper smelter, Glencore confirms
PASAR to Enter Care and Maintenance
Elessent Clean Technologies Celebrates 100 Years of MECS® Sulfuric Acid Catalyst

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Life still left in Mount Isa copper smelter, Glencore confirms

February 26, 2025 - Glencore says it is working with the Crisafulli government to secure the future of the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter. Chief executive officer Gary Nagle gave the clearest indication yet that the smelter could continue beyond the current 2030 scheduled closure. Speaking to national media last week, Mr Nagle said the LNP government was offering its assistance to keep the smelter operating. “They (LNP government) are aware of these challenges and are looking for ways to assist us in ensuring we can keep that smelter running longer term and hopefully be able to invest in a re-brick if the operating and cost conditions are right,” he said. As a lynchpin piece of infrastructure for the North West resource sector, the future of the MIM smelter is considered a pivotal issue to the region’s future that was also identified as a threat to future project rollout under Mount Isa City Council’s economic diversification plans released last week. The smelter currently treats more than one million tonnes per annum of copper concentrate, which includes accepting ongoing contracts from surrounding operations in the region. Looming projects, such as the proposed Harmony Gold Eva Copper project at Cloncurry is also expected to use the smelter and could offer significant new throughput once its mine is operational. Any potential closure of the smelter would cause significant disruptions to the supply of sulphuric acid at a time when demand for the smelter by-product is also expected to surge as a host of new projects, which are reliant on the acid, are scheduled to become operational across the North West over the coming decade. With more than half of the state’s total supply of sulphuric acid coming from Mount Isa Mines, there is expected to be significant international competition for the acid as countries boost both food production and critical mineral extraction. Speaking at a media briefing in Mount Isa last week, Glencore officials warned that overseas competitors were already receiving significant financial assistance from governments to maintain smelting operations amid falling treatment charges and declining profit margins. There has also been a spate of new smelters under construction in countries such as China, India, Indonesia and parts of Africa as nations attempt to provide security over their domestic copper demand.

PASAR to Enter Care and Maintenance

February 24, 2025 - Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) has announced today that it will be putting its Leyte plant site into care and maintenance. This decision comes as part of an ongoing evaluation of the operation and increasingly challenging market conditions. PASAR, a Glencore managed company, has been operating in the Philippines for over 25 years and over that time is proud to have made a significant economic contribution to the Leyte region. The PASAR copper smelter has been a significant part of Glencore’s operations in the region, and we are very appreciative of our dedicated workforce at PASAR. This was not an easy decision, but it is a necessary step in the face of current market challenges. We understand the impact that this decision will have on our employees, local communities, and stakeholders. PASAR is committed to working closely with employees and local communities to provide support during this transition to care and maintenance. The asset will be maintained in a state of readiness whilst we continue to monitor market conditions and consider future options and opportunities for PASAR. Local organic employees will continue to be employed and paid until further notice. PASAR will continue to engage with our workforce, contractors, the Philippine Government and local community stakeholders.

Elessent Clean Technologies Celebrates 100 Years of MECS® Sulfuric Acid Catalyst

January 2, 2025 - Elessent Clean Technologies proudly announces a significant milestone in its rich history: 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of MECS ® sulfuric acid catalyst products. Since 1925, sulfur burning, metallurgical, spent acid, and wet gas sulfuric acid plants around the globe have relied on MECS ® catalysts to reliably convert sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to sulfur trioxide (SO₃) in nearly every type of converter. "Our 100-year history is a testament to the enduring trust our customers have placed in MECS ®,” said Eli Ben-Shoshan, CEO, Elessent Clean Technologies. “This legacy of excellence and innovation underscores our commitment to delivering catalyst solutions that enhance plant performance, optimize efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.” As Elessent Clean Technologies celebrates this remarkable 100-year milestone, the company remains dedicated to advancing catalyst technologies that meet the needs of the sulfuric acid industry while upholding its commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.


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