ECT in JV to develop lignite based fertiliser plant

Environmental Clean Technologies has signed a joint venture agreement with ESG Agriculture to conduct field trials targeting construction of a facility with initial production of 30,000 tonnes per annum of lignite-nitrogen fertiliser at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, increasing to 50,000 tpa.

The JV, which follows a heads of agreement signed in July, is backed by $500,000 in equity from the partners who are seeking non-dilutive capital and project fianncing.

Field trial are poised to commence, focused on securing off-take agreements for its brown coal based fertiliser produced using ECT’s patented COLDry technology, aiming to reduce nitrogen emissions and urea usage by 50 percent.

ECT’s Managing Director Sam Rizzo said: “Our partnership with ESG Agriculture builds on the successful commissioning of our COLDry demonstration plant, moving our technology into the commercial arena.

“This joint venture will showcase the effectiveness of lignite-blended nitrogen fertilisers and unlock new growth opportunities in agriculture, offering farmers a sustainable and cost-efficient solution.”

ECT is developing a number of technologies to upgrade low-grade materials such as brown coal, through the Coldry technology which is hailed as the world’s most cost-effective lignite drying method, featuring zero direct-CO2 emissions.

Lignite is traditionally dried using high pressures and temperatures, whereas Coldry is a low temperature (35-45°C), low pressure drying method.

Through the JV, ESG will handle sales, marketing, and distribution, while ECT will oversee design, engineering, project management, and plant operation.

Further reading:
Environmental Clean Technologies raises cash to expand

Picture: Environmental Clean Technologies/Coldry facility