Clariant, the global supplier of speciality chemicals and one of the world’s leading suppliers of specialty ether amines to the mining industry, has announced the increase of the ether amines production at its Suzano, Brazil facility. Targeted specifically to meet the needs of the mining industry, Clariant says the planned expansion will allow it to meet the growing demands of customers in Brazil as well as support global customers who are also expanding mineral processing capacity.

“Clariant is aiming to expand its global footprint in the mining industry, especially in Latin America where we can build on our long term experience in Brazil. This investment is in line with our strategy to focus on fast growing markets where we have a leading position”, comments Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of Clariant’s Executive Committee.

“Our wide range of specialty ether amines allow our customers to upgrade lower quality ores by removing silica and other contaminants, which is crucial due to availability of high quality ore deposits being depleted globally”, said Finlay Morrison, Vice President of Clariant Mining Solutions. “The expansion doubles our global production capacity, allowing supply to keep up with growing global demand.”

Ether amines are critical agents used in the mining process to beneficiate minerals such as iron ore and phosphates. Clariant’s production capacity expansion will be completed in two phases over the next 18 months. The first phase of the Suzano plant’s capacity will be completed in the third quarter of 2014. The second phase, which will double the capacity, is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Suzano plant is Clariant’s largest production complex in Latin America, and it has been providing solutions for the mining industry for more than 30 years, not only meeting Brazilian market demands, but customers worldwide.