Keras Resources PLC has announced the commencement of hot commissioning of its Integrated Granulator Plant at the newly acquired Delta processing facility. The 5 ton per hour nameplate capacity Granulator Plant circuit incorporates a high-pressure grinding rolls mill to blend and reduce feed ingredients. The Granulator Plant will be powered using a 600kW diesel generator until 3-phase grid power can be installed. The hot commissioning process involved the introduction of an organic binder and dust control agent into the milled high-grade rock phosphate feed to produce the first granules from the Granulator Plant.
The hot commissioning of the Granulator Plant marks a significant milestone for FIR and the PhoSul Utah LLC JV, allowing for the production of a tested finished product for direct farm application. PhoSul®'s formulation aims to improve Phosphorous availability in the soil, with field tests demonstrating significant yield and quality improvements over competitor rock phosphate sources. This development is particularly relevant as traditional phosphate fertilizer production and use face increased environmental pressure, and PhoSul® helps to address Phosphorous run-off, aligning with the Company's organic identity.
Graham Stacey, CEO of Keras, expressed satisfaction with the progress towards full load commissioning and the production of the first organic granules. He highlighted the commitment of the construction and commissioning team and looked forward to updating shareholders as the company progresses towards steady-state production and the sale of organic Phosul® granules, as well as ongoing sales of internal dry products.
Keras Resources (AIM: KRS) wholly owns the Diamond Creek organic phosphate mine in Utah, US, which is one of the highest-grade organic phosphate deposits in the US. The mine is a fully integrated operation with in-house mining and processing facilities, producing a variety of organic phosphate products tailored to customer organic fertilizer requirements.