S&A Abahsain Co of Saudi Arabia & General Chemical (Soda Ash) Partners of the US, have agreed to enter into a J-V to construct a 1m/tpa soda ash operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The plant, which will utilise the Solvay process, will be constructed in two phases, each with production capacity of around 500K (mt)/pa. The first phase is scheduled to commence during 2010. Salt, limestone & energy for the plant will be supplied from local sources. Mr S K Maqsood, MD said that "S&A Abahsain currently supplies around 90% of the estimated 350K(mt) per year regional soda ash demand through a long-standing buy/resale agreement." Adding: "S&A owns 95% of Saudi Arabia's largest glass container company, which is the regions second largest soda ash consumer. General Chemical (Soda Ash) Partners, of Green River, WY, is the 4th largest global producer of soda ash.
