Blue ammonia production company Suiso’s R31.5-billion coal-to-fertiliser project, the Hiryo plant, in Kriel, Mpumalanga, continues to gain momentum with the recent achievement of critical regulatory and environmental milestones, including official land rezoning and steady progress on key environmental authorisation.

The plant will convert coal feedstock into high-quality fertiliser.

Suiso says the R31.5-billion project will support 4 000 jobs in the construction phase and about 1 000 jobs at steady state production, as well as enhance regional infrastructure and advance sustainable industrial development in Mpumalanga.

The company says it received word in early April that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has given Section 102 approval for the development of the Hiryo plant on land now officially rezoned for industrial use.

“The rezoning confirmation, coupled with progress in our environmental approvals, reflects a commitment by both the government and Suiso to ensure the project proceeds with full compliance and transparency,” says Suiso founder Paul Erskine.

“This is a vital step forward in preparing the site for the construction and operation of the plant.”

Suiso says it is working closely with environmental consultants Elemental Sustainability to secure the full suite of licences required under South African environmental law.

These include environmental authorisation – under the National Environmental Management Act (Nema); securing a Waste Management licence – under the National Environmental Management Waste Act; securing an air emission licence – under the Air Quality Act; and a water-use licence (WUL) – under the National Water Act.

The Competent Authority (CA) will be the Mpumalanga Environmental Department for the Application of Environmental Authorisation in terms of Nema and associated listed activities.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is CA for the waste licensing and hazardous waste activities.

Suiso says the authorisation process, initiated in May 2024, has completed several milestones.

These include a financial scoping report and an environmental-impact assessment – with an environmental management programme under development.

Draft reports for Hiryo’s environmental management programme will be ready for public review by the beginning of July.

“Specialist site visits for biodiversity, hydrology and other studies are on track for completion this month. Financial reports on these studies are expected by mid-May,” Erskine says, adding that WUL processes are well under way, with a final decision on water use expected by February next year.

Suiso reiterates its commitment to responsible development, environmental stewardship and community engagement.