Oil Patch Bits: Fluor’s phosphate megaproject begins production

Fluor Corp. announced August 10, that the Ma’aden Wa’ad Al-Shamal Phosphate Co.’s Umm Wu’al phosphate project in Saudi Arabia has started production of ammonia, merchant-grade acid and fertilizer. Fluor is providing overall program management services for this $8 billion megaproject, in addition to engineering, procurement and operations and readiness services for various scopes.

“As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, this world-class project will have a long-lasting impact on the region, as it diversifies the country’s economy and creates local job opportunities for citizens,” said Tony Morgan, president of Fluor’s mining and metals business. “After less than four years from the start of the execution phase, we are proud to have partnered with Ma’aden to bring this facility to production. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ma’aden in developing their next phase of mining projects in Saudi Arabia through our recently signed memorandum of understanding.”

Production has begun on diammonium phosphate fertilizer, merchant-grade acid and ammonia. Phosphate serves as a key element in fertilizer for agricultural crops. As one of the largest integrated phosphate fertilizer plants in the world, the facility will help meet global food supply needs by delivering 3 million metric tons per annum of diammonium phosphate and nitrogen, phosphorous and potash fertilizers.

With a peak site workforce of 28,000 from more than 50 nationalities, Fluor implemented its world-class safety programs, including its Life CriticalSM program, to support the project. As a result of these programs, the project has achieved more than 46 million consecutive work hours without a lost-time incident.

MWSPC is a joint venture between The Saudi Arabian Mining Co., The Mosaic Co. and Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corp.

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