La Paz, Bolivia-Pan Minerals, a Bolivian-Swiss mineral exploration and development company with offices in Las Paz and Switzerland, announced Oct. 9 the acquisition of a proven high-yield sulfur deposit in the vicinity of the Putana Mountain in southwestern Bolivia. The property has a major proven deposit with at least two million tons of between 37-45 percent caliche/sulfur on the surface alone. The 500 hectare concession is expected to yield at least 6,000 tons of sulfur a month, at an average price of $100 per unprocessed ton. The concession is located adjacent to the border with Chile, a country that Pan Minerals says has virtually exhausted its own sulfur reserves. With the Chilean border only 30 kilometers away, transportation costs to the market place will be relatively low. Pan Minerals says it remains debt free and continues to move forward with its projects. In addition to the new sulfur deposits, it also has a stake in lead, silver, and zinc deposits at Turqui Mountain in Bolivia.
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Agrium to clean up defunct mine
Soda Springs, Idaho-Agrium Inc. will spend at least $446,000 to remove hazardous sediment from the defunct North Maybe Mine nearly 20 miles east of Soda Springs near the Idaho/Wyoming border in Caribou County. The U.S. Forest Service on Sept. 8 approved a plan to eliminate the sediment from the 43-year-old phosphate mine, which has been blamed for sending selenium-tainted water into the Blackfoot River, wiping out Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the East Mill Creek tributary. Levels in the creek measured more than 100 times above state standards for selenium, according to John Hart of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a group that unsuccessfully fought the Forest Service’s June 2008 approval of a 1,400-acre expansion of Simplot’s Smoky Canyon Mine near Afton, Wyo., on grounds the region’s old mines should be cleaned up before new projects should proceed. In addition to selenium, other elements at the site include cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc, which could potentially affect the area’s ground water. Agrium will restore sediment retention ponds, contain and isolate sediment with high concentrations of selenium, and bolster erosion control at a dump left over from a mine closed in 1993. Jeff Jones, a Caribou-Targhee National Forest geologist in Pocatello, said that it’s likely that Agrium will need to construct an entirely new dam that will last longer and need to be maintained. Two existing ponds are nearly filled to capacity, allowing sediment to migrate during normal runoffs. Once the work is completed, the Forest Service and Agrium will turn to longer-term measures aimed at reducing high levels of dissolved selenium in East Mill Creek’s water, which will mean additional undetermined costs for Agrium, Jones said. At least 17 old mines are now under federal Superfund authority, including North Maybe, which is entirely within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
EPA gives tribe more say on water quality
Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Idaho-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved giving the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes greater authority and responsibility for protecting water quality on the Fort Hall Reservation. The “Treatment as a State” (TAS) approval on Sept. 5 covers all of the water bodies within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Eastern Idaho, and means the tribes can now develop their own water quality standards under the federal Clean Water Act. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are now the second Indian tribe in Idaho authorized to set water quality standards on their home reservation, joining the Coeur d’Alene tribe in northern Idaho. EPA’s action also means the Shoshone-Bannocks can issue water quality certifications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater discharge permits and any other federal permit or license where there is a discharge to reservation waters. The Tribes, IDEQ, and EPA will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a process for the three governments to work together for any future revisions to the water quality standards. The tribes’ public participation process for the water quality standards has not yet begun. Their water resources department will hold a hearing and give the public a chance to submit written comments while the standards are being developed and before they are submitted to EPA. The tribes expect to initiate public participation on the standards in the spring of 2009. The tribal standards will go into effect under the federal Clean Water Act after EPA approval. According to Elin Miller, EPA regional administrator in Seattle, the TAS decision reflects tangible progress in fulfilling one of EPA’s top priorities. “Building tribal expertise and increased capacity for environmental protection is a top priority for EPA,” Miller said. “Our action today not only acknowledges the tribes’ demonstrated commitment to protecting water quality, but also reflects how seriously we take our tribal trust responsibilities in the pursuit of environmental protection for all.”
IDEQ wants more info on Simplot permit
Pocatello, Idaho-The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has requested more information from the J.R. Simplot Co. regarding the company’s application for a modified air quality permit. The permit would remove productions limits at one of the company’s two sulfuric acid plants near Pocatello, where it manufactures fertilizer. Simplot’s Don Plant discharges about 565 tons of sulfur dioxide annually. Simplot anticipates that would increase to 602 tons if the sulfuric acid production limit were removed, but still be well below the 750 tons allowed each year under federal standards. Although it was anticipated that sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulfuric acid mist, and particulate emissions would increase, the IDEQ issued a draft Permit to Construct (PTC) on March 26 after determining modifications would not result in violating air quality standards or unreasonably impacting people, animals, or vegetation. A public informational hearing was held on May 21, with a public comment period from April 8 and June 10. At the public hearing, some citizens criticized Simplot’s proposal and IDEQ’s regulation of the company’s phosphate fertilizer complex. Actual emissions of PM10 are now estimated at 8.17 pounds per hour. Simplot estimates if output limits are removed, emissions would not exceed 11.25 pounds per hour or 49 tons per year of PM10, and that the nitrous oxide emission rate would be reduced from 64 tons per year to 58 tons per year. Simplot’s two sulfuric acid plants have been subject to a standard of sulfur dioxide emissions at four pounds per ton of 100 percent sulfuric acid produced. In June 2006, Simplot submitted its permit to construct modification application requesting removal of a 1,750-tons-per-day production limit for the No. 300 sulfuric acid plant. It estimates it would produce 2,000 tons per day without the restriction. The Don Plant manufactures two concentrations of sulfuric acid ?Çô 93 percent during the winter and 98 percent during the summer. IDEQ wants Simplot to determine if the expansion in sulfuric acid production would significantly increase particulate, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, or sulfuric acid emissions, and by how many tons per year, and to identify and describe processes at each boiler, superheater, or similar apparatus associated with the sulfuric acid plant. Actual ammonia emissions from the sulfuric acid plant’s stack also must be determined. Simplot must submit the requested information within 60 days of receiving the letter. After reviewing Simplot’s response, IDEQ will either take final action on the application or revise the proposed permit and call for a second public comment period.
PetroChina joins The Sulphur Institute
Washington-The Sulphur Institute has confirmed that PetroChina International Co. Ltd. – a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest energy companies, PetroChina Co. Ltd. – has joined the organization. “China is no stranger to the sulfur industry, being the world’s largest consumer, and PetroChina will only grow in prominence on the world scene with its sulfur activities,” said Catherine Randazzo, TSI president and CEO.
Low-cost emission controls plus fertilizer
Colorado Springs, Colo.-A new compact, lower-cost coal-burning power plant emissions control system that also produces the chemicals for making fertilizer is being tested with what Colorado Springs Utilities officials are describing as astonishing results. At this point the utility isn’t concentrating on scaling up trial runs of the Neumann Systems Group’s Purestream system, and no details were available on the fertilizer or on cement, which could be another byproduct. But they claim that the Neumann development overcomes the main problems of existing coal emissions systems because it’s significantly cheaper to install, more than ten times smaller, and consumes two thirds less power to operate. Utility officials report that early tests on a small unit at their Drake plant produced a 99.7 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide and an 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide. Tom Black, the utility’s chief energy officer, is giving the system rave reviews. He was quoted in the local press as saying, “Purestream so far is exceeding all our expectations. We believe the capability will be better than anything in the market.” He reported that in addition to SO2 and NOX it removes troublesome particulates, such as unburned coal and ash. Testing is now being conducted at the two-megawatt level, and by next June is expected to be upgraded to 20 megawatts. Black said the unique part of Purestream is that it is modular and could be adapted to the plant’s 254-megawatt capacity ?Çô or go even larger by just adding units. Neumann’s chief officer, David Neumann, is a former Air Force Space Command and Air Force Academy physicist. His small firm, also located in Colorado Springs, has put $6 million in grants into the technology, and the city has added another $1 million in exchange for a share of the profits.
Nature’s Blend disagreement resolved in Ohio
Warren, Ohio-State environmental regulators and Warren city officials have worked out their disagreement over whether the plant producing Nature’s Blend biosolids fertilizer is leaching sewage into a nearby river and is guilty of other infractions. Amid threats of $60,000 a day fines against the city and claims that Ohio EPA was needlessly endangering a highly successful recycling program, both sides met for two hours Sept. 15 and agreed to an action plan to improve site runoff and resolve objections over storing biosolids and other “housekeeping” matters. A statement provided to Green Markets by Ohio EPA spokesman Mike Settles reported that “the city will provide weekly updates until all elements of the action plan are completed (and that) the agency is satisfied with what is being proposed by the city.” Settles declined to discuss the specifics of the agreement, saying that there are still a lot of details that need to be worked out. Warren’s Wastewater Plant Director Tom Angelo earlier said the city was not polluting the Mahoning River and accused the state of creating “an alarm condition” that resulted in the cancellation of a 500-to-1,000-ton order of fertilizer to a regular farming customer and another cancellation of a 3,840-bag order of potting soil to a customer of nine years. “Ohio EPA has placed the future of a successful beneficial reuse program of 11 years in jeopardy,” Angelo charged, adding that “all tests indicate that the water was typical storm water.”
Monsanto broadens Evogene crop yield effort
St. Louis-Monsanto Co. is extending its research and collaboration with Evogene Ltd. to focus on identifying key plant genes related to yield, environmental stress, and fertilizer utilization, according to a joint announcement. The five-year agreement is intended to enhance research efforts to discover and deliver novel, yield-enhancing technologies to help with increasing global demand for grain. Monsanto believes this new collaboration will help support its commitment to double yields in its core crops by 2030 and strengthen its ongoing work with Evogene. In September 2007, the two companies announced a collaboration to improve nitrogen use efficiency in corn, soybeans, canola, and cotton. Monsanto will now get candidate Evogene genes predicted to improve yield, fertilizer utilization, and a plant’s reaction to environmental stress for validation in model plants. This will give Monsanto access to new genes, strengthening its entire gene discovery program. Monsanto will receive exclusive licensing rights to such genes in a number of crops and products that emerge and will be commercialized by Monsanto. Separately, Monsanto said it has purchased an $18 million equity in Evogene and has agreed to purchase an additional $12 million in the future.
Fertigation available for organic fertilizers
Sewickley, PA-EZ-FLO Fertilizing Systems and Hydrolysate Co. of America have teamed to bring fertigation to organic fertilizing, according to both companies. EZ-FLO, the leading provider of micro-dose fertigation dispensers in the U.S., and Hydrolysafe, which produces MegaGreen and MultiBloom fertilizers from catfish, claim that fertigation, which is simultaneously irrigating or watering and fertilizing, is a new organic approach that provides plants with essential nutrients through both leaves and roots. Hydrolysate processes MegaGreen and MultiBloom fertilizers from catfish raised under strict dietary standards in highly-controlled, freshwater ponds. Unlike other fish-based fertilizers, stated Sales and Marketing Vice President Jack Perkins, these freshwater catfish have not been exposed to mercury and other heavy metals. He said a proprietary enzyme is used to break down the catfish into complex amino acids. EZ-FLO is a manufacturer of irrigation or water piping attachments for accurately dispensing fertilizers and supplements to commercial, municipal, and residential landscapes. MegaGreen is used on the National Mall in Washington, DC., while EZ-FLO counts The Rose Bowl, Bellagio Hotel, Legoland, and others as notable customers.
Management Briefs
Martin Resource Management Corp. (MRMC), the owner of Martin Midstream GP LLC, the general partner of Martin Midstream Partners LP (MMLP), on Sept. 24 removed Scott Martin as a member of the board of directors of the general partner. The company said action was taken as a result of the collective effect of Scott Martin’s recent activities, which the MRMC board determined were detrimental to both MRMC and MMLP. Scott Martin does not serve on any committees of the board of the general partner.
Scott Martin, 42, the brother of Ruben Martin, 56, president and CEO of MMLP’s general partner, had filed suit earlier in the month against MRMC and four MRMC directors, as well as 35 other officers and employees of MRMC. The suit is in Harris County, Texas, district court. MMLP is not a party to the lawsuit and does not assert any claims against MMLP. Ruben Martin issued a statement saying every claim will be vigorously defended.
Scott Martin filed a letter with the Securities Exchange Commission relating to his departure from the board, saying the decision was not a unanimous board decision and was made by the parties being sued in the lawsuit. Scott Martin alleges that brother Ruben and the other defendants have increased outstanding shares of the company so as to entrench their control. Scott Martin also noted that he was removed as an officer of MRMC and as an officer and director of MMLP. He was most recently listed as executive vice president of the general partner in SEC filings.
CF Industries Holdings Inc. reports that Monty Summa, its vice president, sales, will retire at year-end. Summa, 55, has led the company’s sales organization since August of 2003, when he joined CF. “In his five years at this company, Monty Summa has redirected the sales organization from its focus of serving the needs of our previous owner cooperatives to its present position as a strong, reliable supplier to the broader North American agriculture market,” explained Stephen Wilson, CF chairman and CEO. Summa led development of CF’s sales programs and tools, notably its Forward Pricing Program and PROMISE(SM), a state-of-the-art e-business customer service tool.
“Monty will leave our sales organization well-positioned to remain a leading player in the fertilizer industry. He will retire with my sincere appreciation for a job well done,” Wilson added. The company has begun the search to replace Summa, and expects to name his successor prior to the end of the year.
Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Ltd., has named William Eberth and Alan Stone to the positions of director of trading and logistics of the North American fertilizer unit. Eberth joins Bunge with more than 30 years of experience in the fertilizer industry. Most recently, he served as sales manager of the Eastern Cornbelt for Koch Nitrogen Co., where he was responsible for building the customer base, increasing sales volume, and engaging in market analysis and strategic planning. Stone comes from Archer Daniels Midland, where he has served in various positions since 1981. Most recently, he was manager of wholesale crop nutrients for ADM Benson-Quinn Kansas City. In this role, he was responsible for development, transportation, and key relationship management.
“We are pleased to have Bill and Alan joining our team and believe their experience will be valuable as we develop and grow our fertilizer marketing and distribution business,” said Olavo Dietzsch, vice president and general manager of the North American fertilizer unit. “In their new roles, Alan and Bill will be responsible for sourcing fertilizer products (NPK) for sale to domestic dealers and co-operatives.”
American Fertilizer Exchange of Tampa has announced Cyndi Wenzel has left her position as an administrative assistant with the company, where she worked for 21 years, to return to New York for personal reasons. Wenzel was replaced by Ana Rubio, a bilingual graduate of the University of South Florida’s School of International Business, on Oct. 6.