PROCESSING

CSIRO process boosts phosphate production

CSIRO has developed a process that can produce phosphate for fertiliser from low-value ores

Staff reporter
The PyroPhos smelting process uses high temperature to extract phosphate from ores

The PyroPhos smelting process uses high temperature to extract phosphate from ores

Phosphate is a key ingredient in fertilisers and essential for plant health and growth. The A$73-billion (US$52-billion) global phosphate market continues to grow as demand for fertiliser increases to meet food production needs.

CSIRO team leader, Keith Barnard, said the CSIRO-developed PyroPhos process offers a simpler, safer and more efficient alternative to conventional phosphate production processes.

"The PyroPhos smelting process uses high temperature to extract phosphate from ores, producing prized phosphate feedstock and a glassy gravel that can be used in road base construction and Portland cement," he said.

"A major benefit of the process is that is can be used on lower-grade ores giving phosphate miners and processors the opportunity to increase their productivity in an environmentally sustainable way."

The PyroPhos process is exclusively licenced to PyroPhos, a subsidiary of Process Capital.

Director of PyroPhos, Mark Muzzin, believes it's a unique technology offering in the soluble phosphate fertiliser market.

"Our networks and investor base give us the ability to connect PyroPhos technology to the global phosphate industry," Muzzin said.

"We have had an excellent response from the industry and believe it has the ability to make a major impact."

CSIRO said PyroPhos technology emerged out of decades of research from its Sirosmelt innovation and pyrometallurgical expertise.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions