Coromandel Fert Looks At Value-Added Products
Business Line

November 22, 2006: Coromandel Fertilisers is exploring options to make value-added products using gypsum generated as waste at its fertiliser unit in Visakhapatnam, according to company officials.

The Murugappa Group company is in talks with an overseas collaborator for the technology to convert the gypsum to a value-added product for use as building material.

The added advantage is that this project also paves way for revenue through sale of carbon credits under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The gypsum-based product can form a base for gypsum panels and be used to lay floors and walls and as a substitute for clay bricks.

Company officials said that it was early for details on the investment and potential revenue.

The company has engaged a facilitator to handle the processing of the application for the project to qualify under CDM, they added.

Coromandel Fertilisers already has one project under processing under CDM.
It has implemented an air pre-heat treatment facility to dry its fertilisers using steam generated in the sulphuric acid plant.

This air heating process is now a substitute for furnace oil and is therefore under consideration of the authorities for sale of carbon credits, the officials said.