The scope of works for the estimated $450 million-500 million contract covers the construction of two sulphuric acid trains with combined capacity of 450,000 tonnes a year (t/y) as well as absorption towers and a cooling system.

The contract will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see the contractor team carry our detailed engineering on a cost-reimbursable basis. Once the majority of engineering is complete, the client will decide whether to proceed with the second phase on a lump-sum or open-book estimate basis.

The sulphuric acid plant contract is the first of four main process units to be awarded on the complex. An award is due imminently on the ammonia plant, while bid evaluation is ongoing for the phosphoric acid and diammonium phosphate (DAP) plant packages (MEED 14:4:06; 24:3:06).

Contract signing for all the packages is expected later in the year once financial close has been reached.