06 October 2016
By Conrad Prabhu

MUSCAT: Development of a major antimony roaster at Freezone Sohar in the Sultanate is expected to get under way in earnest with global engineering services specialist WorleyParsons announcing that it has been contracted to execute the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) of the landmark project.

The joint venture Strategic Precious Metals Processing FZC (SPMP), an Oman registered company, is investing around $65 million in the establishment of a 20,000 tonnes per annum capacity antimony and associated gold recovery unit at the free zone.

On Tuesday, WorleyParsons announced that its Oman office has been contracted by SPMP to provide EPC management services for the project with support from the engineering giant’s South African and Australian offices as well. The revelation affirms SPMP’s announcement in February this year that the EPC management contract had been awarded to WorleyParsons.

In a statement, WorleyParsons said the contract underscores its ability to leverage off its global network, drawing on engineering, procurement and construction management skills from three of the company’s locations around the world.

“WorleyParsons RSA will execute the engineering and procurement scope from South Africa in conjunction with WorleyParsons in Australia (Adelaide and Perth). The WorleyParsons Oman Engineering team, which played a key role in pursuing this strategic customer and which provided support and advice to the customer throughout the discussions leading to the award, will be fulfilling the construction management scope with strong support from both WorleyParsons RSA and Australia,” the group said. Oman Investment Fund (OIF), a sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate, has a 40 per cent equity interest in SPMP. So does Tri-Star Resources, a London-based mining development firm.

The balance 20 per cent is held by DNR Industrials Ltd, part of Dubai-based investment and project development corporation Dutco Group of Companies (Dutco).

Antimony and its derivatives are primarily used as a flame retardant ingredient in plastics and as an additive to polyester resins in the manufacture of light aircraft engine covers.

The metallic form of antimony is alloyed with lead and tin to create products that have a wide range of applications. The metal is also used in the manufacture of lead antimony plates for industrial and automotive batteries.

Feed for the plant will be subjected to a roasting, gas treatment and smelting process. Primary output streams include high grade antimony ingots, powdered antimony trioxides, and gold bullion.

According to Dhirendra Ghoorah, Senior Project Manager at WorleyParsons South Africa, a sizable chunk of the equipment for the roaster has been sourced from South Africa.

“SPMP had already undertaken to select the majority of their vendors from South Africa, so the proposal emphasised our dual presence in South Africa and Oman, as well as our highly skilled resources, vendor engagement experience required on the project and the ability for the client to leverage WorleyParsons’ system tools & procedures.”

“As a small start-up company, SPMP required a partner to guide them through their first project, and were seeking to improve their business management and technology direction. WorleyParsons had the expertise to fulfil these requirements,” the senior project manager added.

© Oman Daily Observer 2016