Graham Clarke, CEO of Emmerson Plc at the Morocco Investment Forum in London. Credit: Emmerson
British mining company Emmerson Plc, which recently provided an update on its activities during the second quarter of 2024 at its Khemisset potash project in Morocco, is still awaiting review of its updated environmental and social impact study (ESIS) by the Unified Regional Investment Commission (CRUI). This update incorporates optimizations resulting from the Khemisset multi-mineral process (KMP).
“The first crop trials have been completed, successfully demonstrating the effectiveness of KMP products as phosphate sources. Further trials are planned to confirm the benefits of the additional micronutrients contained in magnesium and iron,” says the company led by Graham Clarke optimistically.
In March 2024, the Ministerial Steering Committee requested the company to update its ESIA to include the optimizations resulting from the KMP process changes. These changes involve significant reductions in water consumption and eliminate the need to dispose of used brines. The company resubmitted the updated ESIA for the CRUI’s review. Emmerson finalized these updates and resubmitted what it hopes will be the final version of the ESIA the following month.
In June, the company entered into a non-binding, non-exclusive memorandum of understanding with Hexagon Group AG for the supply of some of KMP’s new fertilizer products. Under these terms, Hexagon would accept up to 300,000 metric tons of struvite products and 50,000 metric tons per year of vivianite products. These products will be delivered from the ports of Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar or Safi.
Following the filing of a patent application for the innovative KMP processes in the UK in September 2023, Emmerson also filed an application in Morocco during the second quarter of 2024.
Emmerson states that its priority during the third quarter remains obtaining environmental approval for the project. Meanwhile, the company is continuing its low-cost and high-value testing related to the KMP, including crop trials, technical workshops and production optimizations in Morocco and the United Kingdom.
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Emmerson Plc Awaits Environmental Approval for Khemisset Potash Project in Morocco
British mining company Emmerson Plc, focused on developing its Khemisset potash project in Morocco, continues to make progress despite facing environmental hurdles. The company recently provided an update on its activities during the second quarter of 2024, highlighting its commitment to the project’s advancement.
Key Highlights from the Second Quarter 2024
- Emmerson’s updated Environmental and Social Impact Study (ESIS) is still under review by the Unified Regional Investment Commission (CRUI) in Morocco.
- The ESIA incorporates optimizations resulting from the Khemisset Multi-Mineral Process (KMP), including a significant reduction in water consumption and the elimination of brine disposal.
- Emmerson successfully completed initial crop trials, validating the effectiveness of KMP products as phosphate sources.
- The company entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Hexagon Group AG for the supply of KMP fertilizer products, potentially providing a significant market for Emmerson’s output.
- Emmerson filed a patent application for the KMP processes in Morocco, adding to the patent already filed in the UK.
A Focus on Environmental Approval
Emmerson’s primary focus for the third quarter is obtaining environmental approval for the project. The company remains confident that the updated ESIA will address the concerns raised by regulators. The ESIA’s emphasis on water conservation and environmentally friendly practices aligns with Morocco’s sustainable development goals.
KMP: A Game-Changer for Fertilizer Production
The company’s Khemisset Multi-Mineral Process (KMP) is a novel technology that holds significant promise for the future of fertilizer production. KMP offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Reduced Water Usage: KMP significantly minimizes water consumption, a crucial factor in water-scarce regions like Morocco.
- Elimination of Brine Disposal: Unlike traditional methods, KMP eliminates the need for brine disposal, reducing environmental impact.
- Production of Multi-Nutrient Fertilizers: KMP produces fertilizers containing multiple nutrients, including phosphate, magnesium, and iron, offering a more comprehensive solution for crop nutrition.
Significant Market Potential for KMP Products
The memorandum of understanding with Hexagon Group AG underscores the potential market for KMP products. Hexagon’s commitment to purchase substantial quantities of struvite and vivianite products signifies the industry’s interest in this innovative technology.
Emmerson’s Continued Commitment to Morocco
Emmerson’s commitment to the Khemisset project is evident in its ongoing research and development activities. The company continues to conduct crop trials, technical workshops, and production optimizations in Morocco and the UK, demonstrating its dedication to bringing KMP to market.
Conclusion: Embracing Innovation and Sustainability
Emmerson’s Khemisset potash project represents a confluence of innovation and sustainability. The company’s KMP technology has the potential to revolutionize fertilizer production, creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to agriculture. With the obtaining of environmental approval, Emmerson is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality fertilizer products.
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Reproduction and distribution prohibited (photocopies, intranet, web, messaging, newsletters, monitoring tools) without written permission.
technology offers a significant reduction in water usage and the elimination of brine disposal, attracting industry interest and potential partnerships. The project awaits environmental approval for its full realization."/>
