Projects
The production plant for high-purity aerosol-grade dimethyl ether (DME) of our Russian joint venture DME Aerosol, Pervomaysky, as of December 2018. The commissioning process of our new 20,000 tpa plant for the production of high-purity dimethyl ether in aerosol quality was successfully started at the beginning of December. Since December 17, 2018, the plant’s production has been stable and reaching the required quality. Pictured right is the approx. 45 meter high distillation column.
The commissioning phase of our silicon metal plant in Iceland commenced on April 30, 2018 with ignition of the first electric arc furnace. After the furnace shell had been heated up, the input materials in the form of quartzite, coal and wood chip were charged in accordance with the specified ratio. The charge was heated up to around 2,000 degrees Celsius to initiate production of liquid silicon metal. The official start of production occurred with the first tapping operation performed on May 11, 2018. On August 31, 2018, the heat-up process for the second of the two arc furnaces was started.
Chemicals
In accordance with a previously agreed arrangement, PCC Rokita SA acquired a further 25% of the shares in its joint venture partner IRPC Polyol Company Ltd. from the Thai petrochemicals group IRPC Public Co. Ltd. with effect from April 30, 2018. As a result, its shareholding has increased to a total of 50%. PCC Rokita SA had initially acquired a 25% stake in the polyols and polyurethanes producer back in 2016 and is thus continuing to pursue its strategy of expansion in Asia.