Technology & Innovation
CSIRO has pioneered a new smelting process that can produce soluble phosphate for fertiliser from low value ores.
The PyroPhos process was designed to eliminate hazardous waste, and offer a simpler, safer and more efficient alternative to traditional phosphate processing which included a wet acid process.
CSIRO team leader Keith Barnard said the process emerged following decades of research, and would be exclusively licensed to Process Capital subsidiary PyroPhos.
“The PyroPhos smelting process uses high temperatures to extract phosphate from ores, producing prized phosphate feedstock and a glassy gravel that can be used in road base construction and Portland cement,” Dr Barnard 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.”
PyroPhos director Mark Muzzin described the innovation as 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,” Mr Muzzin said.
“We have had an excellent response from the industry and believe it has the ability to make a major impact.”
Demand for phosphate was expected to increase in coming years, as a growing global population put pressure on the food supply chain.
PyroPhos had plans to market the technology in up to 30 countries, including China, Morocco, the US, Russia and Jordan, which were the largest phosphate producers.