Clariant to double production capacity in Brazil of specialty ether amines

Specialty chemicals group Clariant is increasing ether amines production at its facility Suzano, Brazil, the company announced Thursday.

Targeted specifically to meet the needs of the mining industry, the planned expansion will allow Clariant 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 longterm experience in Brazil," said Christian Kohlpaintner, a member of Clariant's executive committee. "This investment is in line with our strategy to focus on fast growing markets where we have a leading position."

Ether amines are critical agents used in the mining process for minerals such as iron ore and phosphates. Clariant’s multi-million 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.

“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.”

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.