Metso Outotec says it and thyssenkrupp Uhde have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ma’aden in Saudi Arabia for developing a novel circular concept to improve the sustainability of Ma’aden’s phosphate operations.

The aim is to design a groundbreaking integrated complex for processing of phosphogypsum, a waste by-product from phosphoric acid production, to reduce the amount of solid waste and allow the capture of CO2 emissions.

The new circular process will be incorporated into Ma’aden’s phosphate operations to support the company in achieving its ambitious sustainability goals aligned with the Kingdom’s objectives, Metso Outotec said.

For the development of this process, Metso Outotec’s extensive know-how and experience in the field of fluid bed and sulfuric acid solutions will be used.

Hannes Storch, Vice President for Metals and Chemicals Processing at Metso Outotec, said: “We are honoured to be part of this unique initiative. Decarbonisation and circularity are relevant for all industries, and the new concept to be developed for phosphogypsum processing will be a major step forward in the fertiliser industry, contributing to efforts limiting global warming.”