A major agricultural breakthrough is underway in South Africa, as SUISO launched a $1.7 billion (about R31.5 billion) coal-to-fertiliser initiative in Kriel, Mpumalanga. This ambitious project is poised to significantly boost food security in sub-Saharan Africa by enhancing local fertiliser production and reducing reliance on costly imports.
Sub-Saharan Africa, home to over a billion people, currently has only five fertiliser plants, a stark contrast to China’s 277 plants serving a population of 1.4 billion. This disparity highlights the urgent need for local fertiliser production to support the region’s growing agricultural demands.
SUISO’s new facility aims to bridge this gap by producing 1.5 million tonnes of nitrogen-based fertilisers annually, including urea and controlled-release variants. The impact on South Africa’s maize production – currently at 15-17 million tonnes per year – could be transformative, significantly increasing yields and bolstering food security.
Economic benefits for farmers
South Africa’s maize industry, valued at R46.3 billion, is projected to grow to R55.6 billion by 2029. By replacing 1.2 million tonnes of imported urea fertiliser annually, SUISO’s project will protect farmers from volatile global supply chains while ensuring more affordable and reliable access to fertilisers.
Located on a 900-hectare site with integrated feedstock and production facilities, the SUISO plant is designed to minimise logistical costs, further enhancing its affordability for local farmers.
These include advanced decarbonisation and carbon capture techniques, as well as PurActive coatings for controlled-release fertilisers. These innovations optimise nitrogen use efficiency, increasing yields by up to 5% while minimising waste and environmental impact.
SUISO’s facility will leverage state-of-the-art technologies with a track record spanning 830 reference plants worldwide.
In addition, the facility will produce 234,000 tonnes of clean, zero-sulphur blue methanol annually, aligning with the forthcoming South African Fuel Act of 2027.
Job creation and skills development
Beyond agriculture, SUISO’s investment will stimulate local economic development. The construction phase alone will generate 4 000 jobs, with 981 permanent positions once the facility is fully operational in 2029.
To support workforce development, the onsite Gerhard Potgieter Engineering Training College will train and upskill 400 employees, ensuring long-term skills sustainability in the industry.
Global trading giant ETG (Export Trading Group) will serve as SUISO’s exclusive offtaker, guaranteeing that fertiliser produced in Mpumalanga reaches the most vulnerable regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership is said to directly support smallholder farmers, empowering them to improve crop yields and secure their livelihoods.
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