Energy&Ecology Magazine

8 January 201 issue 9

INDONESIAN ENERGY SECTOR Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia

contents ENERGY 6 | Energy Financing Group 7 | Geothermal energy in Indonesia 10 | Hus Ltd. – Steel manufacturing and trade 11 | Legal Assessment on Power Generation Capacity Development in Albania

ECOLOGY 19 | Lebanon aims for 12 % share of renewables in energy mix by 2020 20 | Featured theme: The intelligent, in-line pump for increased system performance 22 | BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2018

13 | ABB Partners for a clean future

23 | New EUR 45 million loan for energy efficiency in Romania's residential sector

15 | GIPS JSC - the major supplier of raw materials for the cement industry

24 | KSB Launches new 4-inch submersible borehole pumps made of stainless steel

OIL&GAS

MINING

26 | Exports to over 40 countries from Iran

36 | Gold producing countries

27| Schlumberger launches new fluid mapping while drilling service

43 | Dust Suppression Overview

28 | The 10 larges oil companies in the world 30 | Flue gas analysis – brilliantly easy: testo 350 – the first flue gas analyzer that thinks ahead 33 | Finding potential export markets in Kenya, Sudan and other african nations

44 | Top 10 Ways to Make Mines More Environmentally Friendly 46 | Minproekt EAD 47 | Australian $900mn rare earth Nolan project recommended for approval

4 Kalina Traykova Manager, Bulgaria Energy Institute Jsc, Bulgaria http://www.eninbg.com/ Hedayat Omidvar National Iranian Gas Company phone: + 359 9 8882 9391 e-mail: office@energyandecology.com Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia 2

www.energyandecology.com

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia

Energy

5000 MW of renewable capacity installed over 40 years in Indonesia What are the main issues in the Indonesian energy sector, and how would you summarize your approach to those issues?

What is your strategy for making exploration and production in Indonesia more attractive for oil majors and smaller firms?

We cover electricity, oil, and gas from upstream to downstream through retail and also mineral resources through mining. The sector is one of the sources for the future growth of the country.

We have to be a pioneer in many areas to increase opportunities for the expansion of the economy. One of the key issues is infrastructure. In many areas of Indonesia, we see that there is still a lack of infrastructure availability. The infrastructure must come first. Secondly, the reality of the lowest cost energy is important. My attitude toward the sector is that the lowest cost of energy is essential; which is a key competitiveness of the country. For example, if the electricity tariff is much higher than many exporting countries, then our industrial product will be less competitive comparing to them. We try to make the electricity tariff as reasonable and affordable as possible.

There has been no cancelation of exploration. As long as the oil price is around USD50 then it is difficult to increase exploration and production unless the government wants to give up a lot more. If they want 10% of the split to go to the government, then many of the big players are interested, even the smaller operators. However, that is not the goal. For the USD50 oil price, I do not think the encouragement for increased exploration is significant except for shale oil and gas in US since the production costs are getting lower. For the traditional methods, especially offshore, I do not think they have the courage to increase these days at USD50.

Can you detail the Ministry's intentions with its new power purchasing regulations, and also the recent ministerial decrees that have modified those regulations?

The only goal for ministerial decrees is to make a clarification and speed up the process of any electricity investment, such as an independent power producer. I do understand some of the input that the ministerial regulations will refrain the bankability of any independent power producer projects, but we have explained that the business risk itself cannot be borne by the government. The business risk has to be borne by the power plant company but the political risk and the government commitment risk are with the government. The decrees address this issue.

How would you address the concerns regarding the ability for investors to invest in renewable energy projects?

Over the past 40 years, we have installed almost 5,000MW of renewable capacity. I have been in this office for less than 10 months, and we have committed and signed transactions for almost 500 MW only within this time. Therefore, people who complain about the tariff in my opinion are the people who are not able to compete. Last week the national electricity company signed around 46 transactions for close to 300 MW of renewable energy, so 11 of the investors may have backed off, but 53 signed already. As long as companies matched the technical requirements, then we have to compete with the price; either it is made in Japan, China, Europe, or America, it does not matter.

Are renewable projects meeting cost requirements at a greater rate than in the past, and do you see increased deal flow for renewable energy?

They have to be able to compete reasonably well with the fossil energy. In the UAE, they produce solar PV for electricity for only USD0.0242 per KW-hour, so why not here? I tell the renewable energy unit of my department that 20-30% of total generation is the goal, and just compare this to the OECD countries plus China as how many have achieved more than 20% these days? Not many. The issue is that the renewable energy industry has to be able to compete as they cannot just sell this idea at any cost.

5

How do you plan to encourage mineral exploration and what is the best way to reconcile the interests of Indonesia and foreign investors?

The mining sector here has been through ups and downs, but the key issue is also that the products of the mining sector—the copper, nickel, bauxite, gold, and silver—are plentiful here. They are also following the market price, and that is the big parameter of how we can grow this investment in the mining sector. If the market is down, then the foreign miners will demand a lot more concession or a lot more split so we have to make it acceptable.

We can make a scaling split or we can make renegotiation, but when the market is up again we have to come back to the table to renegotiate the terms. As long as it is in accordance with the mining laws and constitution, the rest can be negotiated from time to time, but if it is against the constitution then the answer is no and no. There is no country that will give up its constitution for the interest of any mining company, and the same is true for other industries such as oil and gas.

What is your outlook for the year ahead and in which sector do you see the most movement?

The goal for the next 10 years is that electricity must be the engine of growth. First is the availability, second is the tariff, and third is the capacity. Those three elements of the electricity will be supported and adjusted from time to time according to the demand. What we can expect is that for the next 10 years we will see a lot more electric cars on the street, and we will change some cooking customs throughout households in Indonesia; whereas many of them use LPG for cooking, we want them to change to electric stoves.

What do you see as the ideal role for the state in developing further electrical generation and distribution?

The government has a lot to do in regard to helping reduce the generation imbalance and the price of electricity in the country as the disparity between what people can afford and the cost is still significantly wide. For that issue, the President has suggested that as long as the private sector can afford to do the investment then we let the private sector do it so that we can subsidize the people who earn a lot less.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

- Import, export and trade of electricity

Is it possible for Bulgaria to be regional electrical center of the Balkans?

Unfortunately no. We are very much behind the other countries in the region. Our colleagues in Serbia and Macedоnia wonder how this is because we had the best infrastructure, powers and vision for development of the energy. But a lot of things changed. The state companies want to sell at highest possible price, their directors are pressured on many sides. They have no management contract for four or five years ahead which would give them security to outline some program for the development of the company and to realize it.

These things ruin the state companies and this is best shown when we review their latest financial results. Here, we have on government coal plant – TPP “Maritsa-East 2” that was mainly refurbished and modernizes. But the tendency in Europe is to close such powers. The UK recently had historical record – for the first time in 110 they manufactured six hours of electricity without using coal. In Germany the coals are funded because too many people are working in this industry. Each of these countries has its strategy and it follows them. And what do we do – partial measures and we continue to go into circles.

About company Energy Financing Group AD was established in 2004 and it operates on the free electricity market in Bulgaria since its inception in 2005 through its 49% share in the first trading company involved in the market of electric energy.

After the experience accumulated, on December 18, 2006, EFG AD received its own license № Л-219-15 for the trade in electricity in the territory of Bulgaria for a period of 20 years, as well as its EIC code 32XEFG-AD - N, which allowed it to conduct import and export of electricity. Thanks to the experience of the staff and the excellent reputation of the owners of our company in the energy sector in Bulgaria and Europe EFG AD achieved excellent results at the start of its participation in the free market of electric energy both in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula.

Energy Financing Group AD is certified by Bureau Veritas in accordance with the requirements of management system standards ISO 9001:2008.

This gives a real opportunity to Energy Financing Group AD to consolidate its position on the electricity market as a reliable and preferred partner.

For the last four years of work we have been exporting electricity to

6

Greece, Serbia, Macedonia and Romania.

Our company has worked and continues to work with the largest power plants in Bulgaria – Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Maritza East 2 TPP and Varna TPP. Our clients include Lukoil Neftochim, CEZ Trade, Ideal Standard, Agropolychim, KAI Group and some other commercial companies.

Our company has also built long-term relationships with the National Electricity Company EAD (NEK EAD), both on the domestic and the external market of electric energy. After receiving the license for electricity trading at the end of 2006, EFG AD started its activities and from April 1, 2007 commenced its actual trading of electricity.

As seen from the chart below, thanks to the experience gained on the open market for electricity in the Republic of Bulgaria, the company is rapidly gaining its portfolio of clients.

Services 1. Following the submission of a notarized power of attorney – registration of customers or full assistance in the preparation of documents for registration of the customer on the free market; 2. Working out of detailed analyses of the company’s customers energy consumption; 3. Consultancy by our leading experts on issues related to the work and the electricity market development in the Republic of Bulgaria, the region and the European Union; 4. Analysis and experts evaluation of the benefits of a possible participation on the free electricity market; 5. Legal and technical consultancy on the legal requirements and changes to the internal energy market; 6. Short-term and long-term forecasting and balancing of electric energy consumption; 7. Consultancy and full cooperation in the carrying out of the procedure for connection to electricity transmission and distribution networks ENERGY FINANCING GROUP Sofia, Bulgaria, 10, Vihren Str. Tel.: + 359 2 892 88 08, Fax: + 359 2 892 88 13 E-mail: office@efg.bg web: www.efg.bg energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

Yunus Saefulhak, Director of Geothermal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Indonesia, talks about the potential of the energy source, educating citizens about the technology, and support from the international community.

7

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

Geothermal energy in Indonesia What is the potential for geothermal energy in Indonesia?

Indonesia is one of the most attractive geothermal regions in the world with a potential of more than 17.5GW reserves and 11GW resources. If we compare this to the installed capacity today, Indonesia runs around 1,698.5MW per day, or around 9.3% of our total reserve of 17.5GW. Based on our national energy policy, our target is to have 23% of our national energy mix come from renewables in 2025 and geothermal expected to contribute 7.2 GW or 16% out of the renewables energy share. It means that we need additional 5,000MW in less than 10 years.

What is the strategy to reach this ambitious target?

The Indonesian government sees this as being achievable as much as it is ambitious. We have the entire support network to achieve this. The government has provided necessary breakthroughs in terms of geothermal acceleration for this program. Special assignments have been issued to state-owned enterprises to develop geothermal concessions without a tender process. Secondly, the government allows for preliminary survey assignments plus exploration. For such preliminary survey assignments and explorations, a company is allowed to commence drilling without a geothermal license once it fulfills the necessary requirements. The third action is the simplification of our licensing and permitting process, which has been reduced from 29 licenses to three licences for business entities conducting geothermal operations. We are eliminating unnecessary licenses and shorten the time period. In fact these permits have been centralized through our One Stop Service Centre (PTSP) at Investment Coordination Board (BKPM).

Furthermore, the government has exclusively alocated USD300 million in our national budget for exploration drilling. Each of these concessions will be drilled by the government, at least three wells, and if the geothermal potential is proven to be economical then it will be tendered for the next stage. This reduces the risk for the private sector at the exploration stage, especially as the main obstacle has been the willingness of financial institutions to provide loans. The fifth action is the acceleration of the tender process, and in 2017 we expect to finish five concession tenders to the private sector, especially in the east of Indonesia, an area with the greatest potential and the highest price for the PPA. In addition, the government provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for geothermal, including VAT exemptions, tax holidays, and no import duties on imports of geothermal materials. In terms of non-fiscal incentives, the government provides a guarantee that PLN will not fail to fulfill its entire obligation to pay under the PPA. The government assures that all electricity will be paid to the IPPs within their contract period.

What will be the best policy moving forward to encourage geothermal energy from a pricing perspective?

The previous policy was to implement a feed-in tariff for geothermal. However, the government need to guarantee an affordable electricity price for the community and provide a competitive price for industry. The government recently had issued the new pricing policy through Ministry Regulation No. 50/2017 in wich using the ceiling tariff mechanism. The government seek to provide enough energy and electricity for the entire country given that the energy infrastructure in the east is much less developed. By providing enough electricity, we also 8

seek to lower the cost of electricity and subsequently encourage industry to come to Indonesia since production costs will be lower. This is the main reason why we changed our policy from a feed-in tariff to a ceiling price.

How do you address the education requirements of geothermal energy production?

It is not as easy to educate communities as we initially believed; there are still some resistance from local communities that believe geothermal will cause incidents like the “Lapindo Disaster," which was actually an oil and gas development. This requires education about geothermal and how it is a different type of technology, with different technical aspects.

What is being done to reduce the costs of the exploration stage?

The cost of drilling a well in Indonesia varies from USD6-10 million, while the average exploration cost of one well is USD8-10 million; however, most of these costs depend on the infrastructure and depth of the hole. In more remote areas with less infrastructure, costs are much higher. Aside from coordinate with local government and government institution for infrastructure, the government creates a knowledge-sharing forum between related stakeholders for sharing best practices.

We have set up regular meetings with geothermal IPPs to review the drilling processes and share knowledge. We seek to find the most efficient technique to develop our wells and are progressing well. Some of the developers has managed to incur lower drilling costs using a new methodology and we seek to replicate that in other areas. This knowledge is shared with all IPPs so that they can use the most efficient process to lower exploration costs. In terms of electricity generation, we also had a knowledge-sharing discussion. Our first power plant using ORC technology in Sarulla project for example. This project seems has a higher production than expected now and we seek to emulate the success elsewhere. We envision being a knowledge-sharing hub, along with our Center of Excellence and R&D department.

How would you address the international community of investors to help support your geothermal objectives?

Geothermal business opportunity in Indonesia is still widely open.

The national target for developing geothermal energy is 7.2GW in 2025. We now have 70 geothermal concessions, of which 40 have already been granted geothermal licenses. There are around 30 more concessions to develop and offer to investors and partners, so this is an opportunity for the private sector to develop our geothermal industry alongside the government. Our intermediate goal is for Indonesia to be the second-largest country in the world for geothermal electricity development by 2018 and by 2022 Indonesia become the largest country in the world for geothermal electricity. We are currently in third place, behind the United States and the Philippines. We need the support from the private sector, banking institutions, and lending institutions to achieve this 7.2GW program and the government provides the necessary incentives and investment details for them. This is a great opportunity for the private sector to be a part of Indonesia's geothermal development.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Import of machines and equipment for water purification plants used for treatment of waste and potable waters

Rough Screening Rotating comb grid – type RP Vertical bar screen chain – type CP Filter with counterflow cleaning – type FPC Screw filter – type FC

Fine Screening Static filter – type KS /C/S/DS Brush filter – type RS Channel brush filter – type RSC Chain type brush filter – type CS Rotating drum filter – type R

Screening compacting Oleodynamic compactor – type CO Screw compactor – type CCI Sand trap “Pista” – type DP Sand classifier – type D Dynamic flotation – type FD

Biological treatment and aeration Biological rotaryperculator – type RE / REVA Air diffusers – type A/TH/R/AX

Tertiary treatment Microscreen drum filter – type MFT Ultrafilatration – type MC/MA

Completation equipments Manual and motorized penstocks – type PM Belt conveyor – type NT Screw conveyor – type TC

COSME srl – Italy

Xelex Ltd. 1421, Sofia, Bulgaria Orphey 19 str., floor 3

Tel.: +359 2 866 60 60 Fax: +359 2 963 42 51 Mob.: + 359 888 26 96 62 E-mail: xelex@techno-link.com

ENERGY MINING

Hus Ltd. - Steel manufactoring and trade have evidenced a long list of successful business partnerships. We value our customers’ needs and trust which we consider as our reward and a milestone to our continuous growth. We aim at affirming the name of HUS as being the most reliable steel supplier in Bulgaria and continuously increase its presence on the international markets.

Assets History HUS is a family company established in 1990 and headquartered in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It is specialized in manufacturing and trading of steel products. HUS proved to be a reliable partner and gained a superior reputation on the Bulgarian and East European markets.

Over the years the company has constantly invested in hi-end machinery, modern production facilities, warehouses and in the development and qualification of its employees.

The wide range of steel products and the high volumes of stock enable the company to meet the market demand for steel goods in various fields – construction, engineering, steel processing, and others.

Values The business strategy of HUS is building and keeping sustainable long-term relationship with its partners. For more than two decades of development, competence and experience in the steel industry we

- 14 warehouses, commercial, industrial and office facilities spreading on a total area of more than 1 700 000 m2.

- Over 100 000 metric tons of constantly available steel products on stock.

- More than 1000 highly qualified employees firmly committed to the company’s values and goals.

- More than 50 heavy-lift trucks ensuring a prompt delivery.

- Financial capacity and liquidity which enables the company to meet all of its obligations to suppliers and partners on time, and invest in further business development.

- Technical equipment for production of various steel products and performing steel processing services.

Our Team The most valuable asset of HUS is its human capital. For more than 25 years HUS has been focusing on recruiting energetic and highly qualified specialists, and

investing in their further education and training. Our managers, engineers, sales people and production employees are fully committed to the company’s values. HUS is a modern company constantly deploying new technologies, latest management practices and sustainable development principles. The high quality provided by our company is emphasized by implementing the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, BS OHSAS 18001:2007.

Products HUS produces cold-formed welded tubes and hollow sections, low carbon hotdip galvanized and black wire, cold bent profiles, welded wire mesh, corrugated sheets and profiles for dry-wall construction and window’s reinforcements. The company also provides services such as cut to length from coils, cut to strips from coils, cut and bend of reinforcement steel. HUS is involved in domestic trade, import and export of hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils and sheets, hot-dip galvanized coils and sheets, PPGI, beams, merchant bars, concrete reinforcing steel, thermal insulation panels, seamless tubes and more. We guarantee our present and future partners high quality products, positive attitude, professional services and on-time fulfillment of all undertaken commitments.

You can rely on us!

www.husltd.com/en/

Hus Ltd. 64 A Plovdiv - Sever Str., 4027 Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 10

T: +359 32 233 038 F: +359 32 233 023 office@husltd.com energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

Legal Assessment on Power Genera on Capacity Development in Albania The future Albanian electricity production mix will most probably consist of hydro power, solar power and natural gas.

Regional targets and binding obligations Albania is at a pivotal moment in deciding on its optimal strategy for development of the energy sector. In the framework of the Western Balkans (WBs) region, in 2012 the country adopted a near-term renewable energy target of 38% by 2020, and it is wellaligned to meet the EU commitments by 2030. Furthermore, in parallel with the creation of a regional market, it is following the roadmap signed by the Paris Sustainability Charter on 4 July 2016. However, all the above does not imply any condition and/or choices about the resources to be deployed, the support measures to be adopted, or other similar aspects related to investments.

Statistical findings on available electricity, demand and investments Nevertheless, the above efforts have ensured that the share of renewable sources in gross final energy consumption (GFEC) reaffirm the country is keeping pace with its indicative target, reaching 34.9% in 2015, according to most recent data available

by Eurostat. That year was the start of a greater take-off of renewables, despite the problem that everything is concentrated in hydropower sources, with the exception of a few individual small projects, such as the 2.85 MW urban waste processing plant in Elbasan, the 1 MW photovoltaic central in Korça (UKKO) etc.

11

In 2016, available electricity amounted to 7,094 GWh, and in the first half of 2017 it increased by 5% (INSTAT, August 2017).

Intensive growth in demand is foreseen for the future. The base scenarios of the Albanian regulator, ERE, predict a growth rate of 1.5%, whilst the regional study Sled SEE 2016 sees growth of up to 3%, foreseeing a peak demand of 10.8 TWh to 13 TWh by 2030.

Hydropower policy - a failure or success in Albania?

Hydropower regimes in the European Union (EU), including the Balkan EU member states, reveal considerable discrepancies among the granting of rights, based mostly on simple permits and, in a few cases, on licences. A heterogeneous situation is reflected in the WB countries, where the use of grants, mainly through authorisation for small hydropower plants (HPPs), is not of particular interest for foreigner investors, whilst for bigger and more important projects the public private partnership (PPP) model is used.

The public private partnership was offered by Albanian authorities to give a particular boost to investments, mitigating the impact of variables occurring over time, through: (i) the free negotiation of provisions governing the contract by accepting financial modelling with an internal return rate (IRR) of 16-22%; (ii) the guaranteed offtake of all the generated electricity through power purchase agreements (PPA) based on the Ęşfeed-inĘş model for a period of 15 years; (iii) assuring and facilitating the release of permits (up to 20), by considering them a co-responsibility of the private and public authorities. Today, over 96 companies have managed to install 139 small and medium size HPPs with a total capacity of 561 MW (ERE Report, 2017). energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy However, there is still a significant undeveloped potential with the lowest levelised cost of energy (LCOE) compared to all the European countries, which makes it predictable that hydro generation, according to the most ambitious scenarios, will double by 2030. Already 2,100 MW (2015) have been granted and are yet to be developed, of which those with a PPA of up to 15 MW need to be completed by 2020 (to preserve the PPA).

However, there have also been cancellations, mainly due to environmental or social concerns (e.g. the Pocem HPP, the Bushtrica 4 SHPP etc.), construction delays (e.g. the Shala HPP, and the Kalivaç HPP), and even lack of concessionary payment fees (e.g. the Korsel SHPP) etc. However, there have been calls to revive some of the already cancelled projects (e.g. the Shala and the Kalivaç HPPs etc.), as well as the launch of preparation of feasibility studies such as in the case of the Skavica HPP, following the decision on investments taken at the WB6 Summit in Trieste (12 July 2017).

A revolutionary era opening to photovoltaics deployment Hydropower plays a dominant role in the region, and Albania is leading in this respect, as it relies almost exclusively on hydropower (and imports). This poses a challenge in dry years, such as 2017, with a rapid increase in imports of electricity (which could historically peak up to 60%). This does, however, raise security of supply concerns for the country, aspects that all together make necessary a change of the paradigm towards diversification through the protection of the environment. The choice of PV is logical and emphasised by the perfect situation in which periods with lack of rain are compensated for by more radiation from the sun: Albania has on average 240-300 days of sunshine per year, with utilisation of solar energy production range between 1,500-1,800 kWh/m²/a.

The need to reduce dependence on hydro energy and the rapidly falling technology costs of PV have led to a favourable provision introduced by the new RES Law 7/2017, which through diverse procedures ensured that: (i) in the middle of spring 2017, opportunities opened up for self-consumption in the net-metering regime for households and companies of up to 500 kV, granted through a simplified permission procedure (lasting around 30 days); (ii) in May 2017, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Industry and Energy (MIE) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led the way to the government decision to guarantee the purchase of electricity with a PPA for 100 EUR/MWh, granted through an authorisation procedure for up to 2MW for a total capacity of between 50-100 MW. Thereafter, the EBRD and the Energy Community Secretariat (ECS) signed a MoU on 9 June 2017 that could ʺrevolutioniseʺ the entire Albanian energy sector. The EBRD is aiming to cooperate in the development and implementation of a framework for the allocation, in one or two big international bid rounds, for a capacity of large-scale PV plants up to 700 MW (minimum 500 mil/EUR) by 2020. Based on this MoU the Albanian MIEmust review the legal framework, whilst the EBRD will set up the auction mechanism for large-scale PV plants.

market. In fact, the MIE (through Albpetrol) has already preagreed a yearly volume of around 0.3 bcm of natural gas from the TAP project. There is also a plan to bring the Vlora II and III CCGTs, with a capacity of 120 MW and 160 MW, online by 2020 and 2025.

Based on the most updated analyses included in the Albania Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2017, due to the decrease in fuel costs the total rate of penetration of the potential thermal demand in Albania is seen at 1.5 bcm by 2020 and 3 bcm by 2040. The GMP also foresees that it is realistic that through economic optimisation, future natural gas consumption for electricity generation will amount to 770 mcm by 2040. With regards to the legal form of engagements, we still need to wait for the outcome of the regulatory and market feasibility analysis of the 500 MW Korça IPP CCGT, financed by the IFC. Overall conclusions To conclude, being conscious that the analyses of the legal framework, even when integrated with best practices, cannot reveal in its entirety what the future will bring, the following three main assessments can be drawn: Due to the budget restriction and limited expenditure, in accordance with IFI's, it is not possible to foresee the entrance of any public capital in the energy sector (except due to energy security reasons, such as maybe the development of the Skavica and Zhur HPPs with a capacity exceeding 600 MW by Albania, together with Kosovo). The public policy is to make choices based on cost estimation (i.e. using LCOE) in order to minimise the economic impact for the public budget and the burdens for each consumer in Albania.

The energy mix for the production of electricity in Albania will most probably be based mainly on hydro power, but with some importance given also to photovoltaics and natural gas. However, although as in the past we can count on the assistance of IFI's, the “fear” is that the private and public sector will not be fully able to reap the advantage of all the potential. To the contrary, as experience has shown often, there is a risk due to the complexity of the institutional and organisational framework and a lot of delays in the ongoing streamline of projects.

However, the experience gained until now makes some change possible, especially if particular attention is placed on improving and simplifying the investment climate, boosting the performance of the private sector by providing support for pre-feasibility studies combined with technical expertise and advice on the promotion of projects, as well as increasing access to finances.

On the other hand, there is always a risk in continuing with business as usual (BAU), thus ensuring that electricity capacity will reach a certain abundance around 2020, while in the period 2020-2030 the country will be constantly dependent on imports, even for limited amount of electricity.

Dr Lorenc Gordani is a Law Adviser in Energy Policy, Regulation & Infrastructure at the Albania Centre for Energy Regulation & Conservation – Acerc.

New projections for conventional power plants To cope with the above-mentioned planned RES capacity, the volatile power system will need to be better balanced. This makes it feasible to start looking at natural gas not only as a back-up reserve (referring to the already installed 97 MW Valona CCGT) but also for the proper development of a real capacity 12

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

13

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

14

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

GIPS JSC - the major supplier of raw materials for the cement industry GIPS has developed the variety of its products in accordance with the European trends in the development and marketing of new products refracting them through the particular features and demands of the Bulgarian market.

Great variety of gypsum-based and cement-based dry building mixtures ground coats and adhesives, stuccos and putties, adhesives for ceramic coverings, heat-insulation system and primers.

The main endeavor of the company is to offer its’ clients products applicable in building, reconstruction and repair activities in public and residential buildings.

Quality

The mine near the village of Koshava is the only underground gypsum deposit in SouthEastern Europe.

The extracted by the company gypsum is a 100 % natural product and its purity reaches 95 % (the purity of the excavated from open-air quarries gypsum does not exceed 50 %).

The harmful impact on the environment is significantly reduced due to the starting of the new factory and complete installation.

The permitted level of harmful emissions is 50 mg/m3 and the new installation will give off no more than 20-27 mg/m3.

In order to be competitive on the Bulgarian and European markets GIPS implements strict controlling all over the production process.

The company possesses the only accredited in Bulgaria laboratory for analyzing gypsum and gypsum products.

GIPS is certified by ISO 9001-2008 SGS.

The energy consumption of the production will be significantly reduced – the consumption of electricity and fuels will be reduced by 45 %.

The products of GIPS JSC are well known in Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania.

The project was approved by the Operational Program "Competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy 2007-2013.

The capacity of the new installation is 14 tons per hour.

Koshava, Bulgaria post code: 3771

The equipment of the new plant with a capacity of 80 thousand tons per year is worth 8 million euro. Supplier of equipment is "Claudius Peters Projects".

Nowadays GIPS JSC manufactures 23 products – 13 gypsum-based and 10 cement-based dry building mixtures, heatinsulation system and primers.

Phone: +359 888 405 652; +359 885 945 763 E-mail: sales.gipsad@abv.bg

Products

www.gips-ad.com

GIPS JSC is the major supplier of raw materials for the cement industry, as well as for the production of gypsum binding substances and aerated-concrete products.

Markets

Since 2006 over 22 millions BGN have been invested in reconstruction, modernization and up-dating of the technological process through buying a complex machine for mechanized underground extraction of natural gypsum, the building of two new production installations for gypsum-based and cement-based dry building mixtures and an installation for drying and separation of sand and complete installation for calcification of natural gypsum.

On the 4th of October the new factory of GIPS JSC was officially opened in the village of Koshava.

This is the first plant in Bulgaria with a complex installation for classification of natural gypsum.

15

GIPS JSC

sales@gips-ad.com; gipsad@abv.bg

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Energy

ISCAR Drilling for Profit with SUMO3CHAM The entire machining process becomes much easier as the cutting forces are spread across 3 cutting edges, the drilling process is more stable and the penetration into the part's material is more balanced. Thus, users can work up to twice as fast, as the feed per tooth can be increased significantly. Alternatively, users can maintain the same feed per revolution as with a two flute drill and achieve much longer tool life.

The SUMO3CHAM clamping, which relies on 3 points of positioning, provides high levels of repeatability when replacing the drilling head.

The global metalworking industry is driven by the relentless progress of highend technologies that are becoming ever more sophisticated. The challenging requirements of advanced production equipment demands the provision of 'out of the box' advanced machining solutions.

Innovative cutting tools release the latent productive capability of modern machine tools and deliver enhanced profits to users.

In order to comply with market demand, ISCAR recently exhibited its next generation, advanced indexable drill and further extended its comprehensive product portfolio with the launch of SUMO3CHAM – an advanced three flute indexable drill. The innovative design of the SUMO3CHAM raises users manufacturing productivity to new levels by reducing machining cycle times by up to 50% when compared to the conventional two flute drills.

The new product's pocket configuration is constructed on a 'close structure' design with three contact areas based on a dove tail joint. This rigid clamping configuration divides the forces applied to the tools' pocket into 3 segments. This arrangement dramatically reduces harmful influences on the pocket's life and also substantially prolongs tool life.

Three radial and 3 axial stoppers secure the drilling head and ensure a reliable drilling process in high feed machining environments. Furthermore, due to its sharp edges and the low axial force it applies, the SUMO3CHAM is very efficient when drilling a through-hole when the drill breaks through a slanted surface, also creating fewer burrs on the hole exit. Since the material work hardening is low, a reamer or a tap which may be used for a subsequent operation will gain from extended tool life and accomplish improved results. The unique geometry of the SUMO3CHAM selfcentering head shapes the produced chips optimally to allow smooth evacuation throughout the 3 high helix polished flutes.

ISCAR maintains its proud tradition of designing user-friendly drilling systems for easy handling. These unique drilling systems eliminate the use of tightening screws to clamp the drilling head in accordance with the company motto "No Set-up Time".

SUMO3CHAM is now available for machining alloy steel, carbon steel, soft and gummy low carbon steel as well as cast iron.

In a similar way, the cutting forces are equally divided across the 3 cutting edges of the drilling head. The application of less pressure to each of the contact surfaces further extends the life cycle of the drilling head.

ISCAR's vision is to remain the global metalworking market leader by the continuing work of its prolific R&D department and remaining aware of its customers evolving needs. Innovative developments allow the launch of products that bring manufacturers an array of efficient drilling solutions based on uncompromising quality.

"The combination of the self-centering geometry, along with a robust and accurate clamping system results in SUMO3CHAM providing ultimate performances relating to hole cylindricity, roundness and enhanced productivity.

ISCAR Bulgaria is located in Kazanlak to serve the Bulgarian metal working industries. ISCAR Bulgaria is registered with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and abides by its standards of conduct. The trained staff of

16

experienced sales engineers at ISCAR Bulgaria is ready to provide support, testing, demonstrations, consultations and quotations for ISCAR tools — the world’s finest metal cutting tools.

ISCAR is the largest of the 15 companies comprising the IMC (International Metalworking Companies). Together, they supply a dynamic comprehensive line of precision carbide metalworking tools. These companies produce a wide range of carbide inserts, carbide endmills and cutting tools, covering most metal cutting applications.

IMC also provides engineering and manufacturing solutions to major industries throughout the world. Many innovative products, designed specially for customer requirements, have made the IMC a world leader in the major manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace and die & mold production.

For more information: ISCAR Bulgaria. Starozagorska 1, Str. Floor 1, Office G, 6100 Kazanlak Tel/Fax:+359 431 62557; Tel: +359 431 64361 e-mail: apostolov@iscar.bg www.iscar.bg

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology

Cesar Abi Khalil, Minister of Energy & Water, Lebanon

Lebanon aims for 12 % share of renewables in energy mix by 2020 What are the main highlights and points already accomplished in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for 2018-2020?

The first NEEAP for Lebanon was developed for the period 2011-2015, where Lebanon was the first Arab country to have its NEEAP developed, published, and adopted by the national government. In June 2015, the LCEC organized an evaluation session of the first NEEAP with a wide participation of the different stakeholders, and based on this session, several modifications were introduced when structuring of the first version of the second NEEAP for Lebanon for the period 20162020. For the second NEEAP, work has already started seriously on four of the main initiatives, which are the building code, the minimum energy performance for home appliances, the labeling of appliances, and the pilot projects of energy efficiency in public buildings. For the national building code, there is a need to update the current version. The work is being done with several partners in order to include green buildings specifications within the national construction law. As for the minimum energy performance system (MEPS) and the labeling of home appliances, the work is being carried out on several levels through the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework to analyze the different set standards and their adaptation to the Lebanese environment, and to also identify key appliances to include in the regulatory framework. Finally, the buildings of the public sector are one of the largest consumers of electricity within Lebanon. This is why the NEEAP dedicated a measure for implementing energy efficiency pilot projects within public sector buildings in order to showcase the potential of energy efficiency within this sector. At this stage, visits to identify the key buildings are being carried out in order to identify the representative buildings while working at the same time to procure the needed budget and financing.

What is your outlook for Lebanon's alternative energy, as 19

well as for the goal of double the share of renewable energy to 12% by 2020?

Lebanon announced the goal to achieve in 2020 a 12% of renewable energy in 2009. This goal is mainly dependent on the solar, wind energy, hydroelectricity, and biomass resources. The Lebanese government has issued the first licenses to produce electricity from the private sector for three wind farms in the Akkar region with a capacity of around 200MW. Moreover, the Ministry of Energy and Water has launched the request for proposals for the deployment of 12 solar farms with a capacity of between 120-180MW all over Lebanese territory. Both these projects are key milestones toward the achievement of the national target in 2020 as well as integrating the private sector into the renewable energy industry.

What are your main goals and priorities for the year ahead?

This year, our ministry submitted an additional plan to cover for the increasing urgent demand during the summer season that was aggravated by the inflows of the Lebanese diaspora due to the sense of stability that was created by the election of our new president. Demand was already heightened by the continual increase of displaced Syrians. Hence, it was important to prepare a plan to cover this extra demand and increase electricity supply in Lebanon. The plan relies on several pillars starting with renewable energy projects. The second pillar was the rental of floating power production units with a capacity of 800-1,000MW and tying them to the existing grid in order to offer a fast boost to our generation capabilities. The role of the private sector was mentioned in previous plans of the Ministry of Energy and Water, and it is still an important part of all our plans. In line with these efforts, we are working on the integration of power plants of 1,000MW through the Independent Power Producers (IPP) modality.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology

Featured theme: The intelligent, in-line pump for increased system performance Drinking water is a valuable resource whose reasonable use today will guarantee the necessary quantities for us in the future.

The priorities to be followed include the following measures:

industrial water reaches half of the total water use, whereas in developing countries the percentage varies between 4% and 12% of national water consumption.

Preventing deterioration in the quality of the drinking water compared to the already existing condition;

One way to increase the efficiency of water use in the industry is to reuse water.

Providing bacterial safe water for the population;

Reducing the amount of water used by industrial plants will lead to a decrease in water abstraction from local water sources, increase in productivity, reduction of discharged waste water streams and their polluting loads, as well as heat consumption and operating costs.

Carrying out systemic control over the quality of drinking water; Improvement of drinking and wastewater treatment plants and strict disinfection regime; Performing periodic tests for the content of dangerous substances in surface and groundwater; Commissioning of new central water sources in the missing ones; Staged replacement of water supply networks in cities; Construction of sewerage networks; It is estimated that approximately 22% of the world's water is used for industrial purposes. In Europe and North America,

20

Re-use of waste water in the industry can be realized within one or more companies, guaranteeing them savings from water bills and purification costs. Depending on the pollutants they contain and the intended re-use, the waste water can be either directly used or first cleaned and then used (recycled).

Nearly every industrial plant can implement measures for the reuse of waste water. Inclusion of technology for direct reuse is a relatively easy procedure, but when a purification system is needed, costs are increasing considerably.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology The ability to reuse water from one plant to another depends on the transport costs and on the quantity and quality of the water produced. In case there is a need for further purification, the participation of more companies would lead to significant cost reductions.

One third of water use in Europe falls on the agricultural sector.

Agriculture affects both the quantity and the quality of available water resources for other uses. In some parts of Europe, pollution only from pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture continues to be the main cause of poor water quality.

By applying good agricultural practices and favorable policy decisions, we can achieve a much more efficient use of water in agriculture, which would mean more available water resources for other uses, especially for nature.

However, irrigation should not be associated with such a high water consumption. Increasing water efficiency is already being realized in Europe, both through the efficiency of water transmission (the share of water taken to the field) and the efficiency of field use (the water actually used by crops relative to the total quantity of water supplied to the crops).

Policy plays a key role in stimulating the agricultural sector to introduce more effective irrigation practices. In the past, for example, water pricing policies in some European countries did not necessarily require farmers to use water efficiently. Farmers rarely paid the real cost of water, reflecting environmental and resource costs.

In addition, agricultural subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and other measures have indirectly encouraged farmers to produce more water-consuming crops by using inefficient technologies.

By using wastewater in agriculture, more freshwater resources can be provided for other needs, including for nature and households. If the quality of the regenerated water is properly managed, the treated wastewater can provide an effective alternative to meet the water needs of agriculture.

In support of the above, GRUNDFOS, the world's largest manufacturer of pumps and pump equipment, offers a number of solutions, ranging from the overall design and construction of sewage treatment plants to the delivery of separate water transfer, filtration, aeration and disinfection facilities.

In the area of ​energy efficiency, the following can be briefly mentioned: The so-called "EuP Directive" was approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on 06.07.2005.

The Directive lays down a framework of rules and criteria for setting ecodesign requirements for EuPs.

The aim of the Directive is to reduce the environmental impact caused by energy-using products and to ensure environmentally-friendly development in the future.

Only the most efficient energy class A pumps available on the market currently meet the requirements of the EuP Directive.

GRUNDFOS is the leader in the sector of autonomous energy efficient circulators.

The company is among the first to start mass production of Energy Class A pumps. The ALPHA2 ALPHA3 and MAGNA3 circulators have long been compliant with the EuP Directive and are widely used around the world. Since 2017, the MAGNA1 range has improved features and added communication capabilities.

GRUNDFOS does not expect legal constraints on the production of these products but creates a high level of responsibility and environmental care.

At the core of the design of our pumps is the principle of continuous improvement.

Thanks to the unique combination of innovative pump functions, MAGNA3 consumes up to 70% less power than other autonomous circulators of the same size.

The MAGNA range offers a wide range of sizes suitable for domestic and commercial heating or air conditioning applications.

With the market launch of TPE3 and TPE2 series linear pumps, there has been a dramatic change in the operational capabilities and energy intensity of this segment.

All TPE2, TPE3 D, TPE3, TPE3 D, TPE and TPED pumps with bipolar motors up to 3 kW and four-pole motors up to 1.5 kW are equipped with permanent magnet motors that are more efficient than IE4, including power consumption of the electricity from the built-in frequency converter.

As the world's leading manufacturer of pumps and pump equipment, GRUNDFOS manufactures high-performance electric motors. Manufactured electric motors with built - in frequency converters meet the high standards of E - pumps (E pumps) used in buildings, water supply and industry.

In the direction of increasing energy efficiency, GRUNDFOS offers an energy audit service. With the help of a dedicated ECT (Energy Check Tool) software, precision instruments and tools of the customer make a free evaluation of pumps and pumping equipment on site and the report outlines the benefits of introducing new facilities, realizing savings compared to the current situation, an estimate of the return on investment is made.

www.adara-bg.com Bulgaria, 1784 Sofia jk"Mladost-1', bul. Andrej Saharov, bl. 75A, ap.2 tel.: + 359 2 974-49-38 fax: + 359 2 974-40-38 GSM: +359 889 161 000; +359 878 405 888 office@adara-bg.com

21

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology

BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2018 launches with call to celebrate green economy success The eighth annual BusinessGreen Leaders Awards will take place in London on June 27th At last year's BusinessGreen Leaders Awards, Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate change chief and winner of the evening's Lifetime Achievement Award, issued a challenge to both BusinessGreen and the UK's green economy. In the coming years, she said, these awards need to switch venue because they will have become so large they could sell out The Oval.

Her point was not lost on any of the 500 green business leaders and sustainability executives in the audience. To tackle escalating climate risks the world needs to start cutting greenhouse gas emissions sharply from 2020 at the latest. In order to do that, the green economy and the sustainable business models and clean technologies that drive it need to scale up so rapidly and boost their profile and influence so effectively that the UK's pre-eminent green business awards really should end up filling one of the capital's largest venues.

This year's BusinessGreen Leaders Awards won't be switching to The Oval just yet, but Figueres' challenge to our readers still stands. As the UK looks to deliver on its new Clean Growth Plan and 'green Brexit' strategy, the government prepares for its Green Great Britain Week, and countries around the world step up efforts to honour the Paris Agreement, there has never been a more important time for leading green businesses to celebrate their success and promote their trail-blazing innovations.

22

The BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2018 - now in their eighth year - will take place on the evening of June 27th at The Brewery in London. We are today inviting businesses, NGOs, public sector bodies, investors, entrepreneurs, and executives to submit their entries for the UK's most prestigious and highly coveted green business awards.

The deadline for entries is 16th March and the shortlist for this year's awards will be announced in early April.

This year is BusinessGreen is seeking entries in a range of high profile categories, such as Renewable Energy Project of the Year, Sustainability Executive of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and the prestigious Company of the Year.

However, we are also inviting entries in a number of new categories, including Supply Chain Project of the Year, Investor of the Year, Environmental Awareness Campaign of the Year, and Digital Project of the Year.

Unlike many awards, the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards aim to be as accessible as possible and do not require an entry fee.

However, in order to be able to invest in both hosting the event and continuing to provide BusinessGreen's daily news on a free to air basis, the terms and conditions do require all finalists to book their place at the awards ceremony once the short list is confirmed. As such all entrants are advised to check they are available to attend the Awards before submitting an entry.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology

New EUR 45 million loan for energy efficiency in Romania’s residential sector The EBRD is extending its support for energy efficiency investments in Romania’s residential sector through a loan of up to RON 206 million (€45 million equivalent) to UniCredit Bank Romania SA and UniCredit Consumer Financing IFN SA. The funds will be on-lent to households seeking to invest in energy efficiency improvements (such as heating, water and electricity, as well as additional building enclosures such as walls, windows and roofs) for their homes, and expanding the availability of green solutions for the residential sector.

Technical assistance is provided through grants by the Global Environment Facility and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund.

TaiwanICDF - International Cooperation and Development Fund will contribute up to RON 29 million (€6.3 million equivalent) as concessional financing.

Matteo Patrone, EBRD Regional Director for Romania and Bulgaria, said: “We are pleased to join forces with UniCredit and are confident that we can leverage our partner’s extensive branch network and expertise in energy efficiency financing to reach households throughout Romania. In the residential sector, there is significant room for improvement and we are proud to offer the market this unique combination of financial and technical tools to achieve green goals.”

Lucyna Stanczak-Wuczynska, EBRD Director for EU banks, added: “This new transaction is part of our strategy to scale up financing for energy efficiency investments in Romania and other countries where the EBRD invests. Our experience has proved that continued investment in energy efficiency makes an 23

important contribution towards a more sustainable, ‘green’ economy as well as clear business and economic sense. We are pleased to have UniCredit by our side in this effort.”

Septimiu Postelnicu, Head of Retail Division UniCredit Bank, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded this agreement with our longstanding partners from the EBRD, by which we reiterate our interest and willingness to support energy efficiency projects in the Romanian residential sector. The loan we access as part of this new agreement will allow us to increase our role in supporting the development of a green economy in Romania.”

This is the second loan under the new EBRD Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF). Launched earlier in 2017 with a total volume of up to €100 million, it is designed to help Romanian households invest in energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. Loans are provided via local partner financial institutions.

The EBRD has channelled some €4 billion in green financing through similar programmes in 24 countries to date.

GEFF is part of the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition approach, under which the Bank aims to dedicate 40 per cent of its annual investments to climate finance by 2020.

In 2017, the EBRD has invested over €525 million in 26 projects in Romania and will reach almost €8 billion in cumulative investments in the country by the end of the year.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Ecology

24

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

Services • Diamond core drilling up to 3000m • Underground drilling • Directional drilling • Reverse circulation drilling • Oil and gas drilling • Oil and Gas Workover • Water well drilling • Geothermal drilling • Energy drilling • Technical Drilling for Mining • Technical Drilling for Construction • Geological Survey

www.geopsbg.com E-mail: office@geopsbg.com | +359 893 349 105

OIL&GAS

Exports to over 40 countries from Iran pioneers in the technology realm, which is why we want to find a qualified partner that has a license and advanced technology.

Also, we would be interested in a partner that can finance our projects and grant us market access. If we find that partner, we are ready to start a new company producing base oils for Group 2 and 3.

What is the outline of your growth strategy?

Asad Azizi, Member of the Board & Managing Director of Behran Oil Co. Behran Oil enjoys a large market share in both engine oils and lubricants for industrial applications, partly because of the strengths of your brands. How do you assess your current market share in the different divisions, and how are you planning to develop it?

We are the market leader in the lubricants industry, with a 50% market share for passenger cars, motor oil, and especially heavyduty oils. In the industrial sector we occupy 33% of the total market. We are in a situation where we can define the price and manage the market. We have a strong portfolio that covers nearly all the needs of the market. Car manufacturers approve all our oils, which provides a good reference for people looking to see who the strongest players are. Lately we have reached some limitations in the market, and for that reason we have placed our focus on some of the top-tier products. This is because of the high margin in the area and the better brand position that Behran Oil want to have. In addition, in the near future this will be the trend of the market so we want to keep up. We pursue a high position and want to compete in terms of quality rather than price.

We also want to capture the premium parts of the market regarding the brand position that we have. On top of this, we aim to launch brand campaigns for our top-tier products and reorganize our distribution channels based on that strategy. We want to shape the market, giving more services to the end users and maintaining close contacts with them. In the industrial oils division, we have offices in eight provinces in Iran and offer technical and consulting services through our sales engineers.

We want to increase their knowledge of lubricants and additive monitoring, and thus become even more powerful in the market.

After establishing the first refinery nearly 50 years ago with a capacity of 30,000 tons per year, your current base oils output is around 250,000 tons per year. Do you plan to further increase your capacity in the next years?

Actually we want to focus on finished products rather than base oils. Base oils are an intermediary product for us, and we prefer to focus on the marketed products.. Therefore we want to steer away from increasing production capacity for these oils and move to production of base oils in the 1+ Group. We want to be 26

We see some internal and external drivers for growth. Internally, we have brilliant human capital. Behran's credit also allows us to invest, which is another strength. Externally, industrial growth in Iran allows us to enhance the market. The share of the industrial sector here may not be so great in comparison with other sectors, but we expect to see a boom in the economy when sanction being lifted, and this will positively affect the industry sector. Industrial growth will provide a good base for our lubricants. The car producers in Iran are also sparking growth and innovation. The sector is moving from the low to the high end, which is another good trend for us. There is also an increase in public work; the infrastructure and mega projects that the Iranian government is carrying out are another good driving force for our business. The government also intends to invest in the automotive and industrial sectors and address the problem of unemployment. These investments have a good effect on our lubricant businesses, as we produce hydraulic and turbine oils for industrial use as well.

Behran Oil already exports to over 40 countries. Are you looking to enter new markets?

Our grand strategy is to have a direct presence in our target markets. In the past, we would just export commodity to overseas markets. Now, we are aiming brand oriented products to be exported. We want to have a direct presence in the target markets. Setting up blending and packaging facilities in our target markets and building a distribution system through a local partner is part of our strategy. The local partners with which we would like to sign long-term partnerships are those who already operate in those markets. Our target markets are all East of Africa, West Asian countries, our neighboring countries, and the CIS countries to the north. We want to have a marketing and sales campaign in thesemarkets as well to introduce the Behran Oil brand. We may also establish a joint brand for any particular market, but primarily we would like to use the existing Behran branded products in the markets.

What is your strategy for reaching out to new partners?

For potential internal partners, we focus on cooperation with technology and know-how. If any partner or investor has the ability, they are welcome to work with us, and we are ready to receive them. The mass market already belongs to Behran Oil; however, we are looking for a specialized company to help us expand into niche markets. This could be under the Behran Oil brand but also through a joint brand if any company comes and sees the opportunity. Iran enjoys great social and political stability, as well as a prime geographic position. Thus, establishing relations with a company such as Behran Oil means having sustainable business for years to come. We invite foreigners to come to Iran and start a lucrative business here.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

27

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

28

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

29

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

Flue gas analysis – brilliantly easy: testo 350 – the first flue gas analyzer that thinks ahead data even when the flue gas pipe and the adjustment site are separated, especially helpful for industrial burners, for example.

Measurement data can be transferred from the analyzer box to the control unit. This means the analyzer box can remain at the measurement site for further measurements, and the control unit taken away in order to process the measurement data.

In order to protect the display in measurements over a longer period or during transport to different measurement sites in a system, the control unit can be attached to the analyzer box facedown.

Large colour graphic display with application-specific menu The following measurement objects are available: - Burner - Gas turbine - Engines (Select λ > 1 or λ ≤ 1 regulated industrial engines) User-defined.

Typical fuels, a practicable order of the exhaust gas parameters in the display, the corresponding calculations as well as useful instrument pre-settings, are stored under each of these measurement objects. Examples of these are the activation of the dilution in measurements on λ ≤ 1 regulated industrial engines and gas turbines, or the testing of the relevant gas sensor in the dilution slot.

The advantages of the application-specific menu -Information in the display guides the user through the menu.

-Easy operation without previous knowledge of the instrument -Reduction of the work steps before the start of the measurement.

Analyzer box – industrial standard, robust and reliable The portable flue gas analyzer testo 350 is the ideal tool for In the analyzer box are the gas sensors, the measurement gas professional flue gas analysis. Helpful instrument settings guide and rinsing pumps, the Peltier gas preparation (optional), gas paths, filters, analysis and storage electronics as well as the the user safely through typical measurement tasks such as: mains unit and the Li-ion battery.

- Flue gas analysis in commissioning, setting, optimization or The robust housing has built-in impact protection (specially operational measurements on industrial burners, stationary constructed X-shaped rubber edges), allowing the analyzer box industrial engines, gas turbines and flue gas purification systems. to be used in tough conditions. Downtimes due to dirt in the - Control and monitoring of officially prescribed emission limits in instrument are almost completely eliminated by intelligent design and robustness. Inherently sealed chambers protect the interior exhaust gas. of the instrument from dirt from the surroundings.

- Function testing of stationary emission measuring instruments.

Operation can be carried out with the control unit or in direct - Control and monitoring of defined gas atmospheres in furnace connection with a PC or notebook (USB, Bluetooth® 2.0 oder rooms or kilns in different processes.

CANCase). The analyzer box can, after programming, independently carry out measurements and store measurement Control unit – small and convenient The control unit is the operating and display unit of the testo 350. data.The plug-in connections for the probes and bus cables are It can be removed and equipped as standard with a Li-ion locked by bayonet fittings, and therefore securely connected to rechargeable battery. All settings are carried out using the cursor the analyzer box. This prevents unintentional removal, avoiding button. The presentation of the measurement values takes place false measurements. via the colour graphic display. Thanks to the internal memory, testo 350 – Flue gas measurement at the highest level, measurement data can be transferred from the analyzer box to the control unit. If required by the measurement, several thanks to: analyzer boxes can conveniently be operated and controlled Easily accessible service opening The service opening in the underside of the instrument allows using one control unit very easy access to all relevant service and wearing parts such as pumps and filters, which can then be quickly cleaned and/or The advantages of the testo 350 control unit: Operation of the analyzer box and transfer of the measurement exchanged on site.

30

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS The advantages: - Reduction of instrument unavailability due to service times.

- Cost savings due to instrument maintenance and/or exchange and cleaning of wearing parts by the user.

- Immediate access to all relevant wearing parts

- The instrument can also be safely used in dusty or dirty atmospheres Further advantages...

Diagnosis function – integrated and intelligent The testo 350 has a number of instrument diagnosis functions.

Error reports are issued in clear text, and are thus easily understandable. The current status of the flue gas analyzer is constantly displayed. This guarantees: - Low downtimes thanks to early warning reports, for example when gas sensors are spent.

- No false measurements due to faulty instrument components.

Easy exchange of the gas sensors The gas sensors are pre-calibrated and can be exchanged, - Better planning of measurement work replaced or extended by further measurement parameters without - More reliability in emission measurement and up-to-date information on the instrument status. test gas – if necessary directly at the measurement site.

- No more long service times Automatic zeroing of the pressure sensor -Flexible extension of the testo 350 by further gas measurement This option allows volume and mass flow velocity to be measured parameters when applications or regulations change. without supervision over a longer period of time and parallel to the - A report is immediately issued when the NO sensor filter is used up. Then only the filter needs to be changed, and no longer the emission measurement. The pressure sensor is automatically zeroed at regular intervals. This avoids the typical drift of the whole NO sensor. pressure sensor when ambient conditions change.

Automatically monitored condensate trap The automatic monitoring of filling level reports when the Gas sensor zeroing condensate containerneeds to be emptied, and a few minutes after When the instrument is switched on, or manually if needed, the gas the report, the measurement gas pump is automatically stopped. sensors are zeroed with ambient air. In the testo 350, this This provides the highest protection of the analyzer box and the procedure is already completed in 30 seconds. This means that fast availability with tested and zeroed gas sensors is always gas sensors from damage by condensate entry. guaranted.

External cooling loop Closed cooling loops isolate the instrument electronics and GLOBAL – TEST EOOD sensors from the ambient air. The interior of the instrument is 1408 Sofia, Janko Zabunov str., bl. 3, ent. B, P.O.Box 21 cooled via a heat exchanger and therefore does not come into tel. (02) 953 07 96 ; (02) 953 29 56 contact with dirty or aggressive ambient air. fax (02) 952 51 95 e-mail: office@global-test.eu - Damage to the internal electronics are thus effectively prevented. www.global-test.eu Thermally separated sensor chamber The sensor chamber is thermally separated from the other instrument components. This reduces possible sensor drifts caused by thermal influences. This allows the maximum reliability pf the measuring instrument to be achieved.

31

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

32

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS

Finding poten al export markets in Kenya, Sudan and other african na ons Dariush Hamidi, CEO & Member of the Board of Iran Chemical Industries Investment Co. (ICIIC)

How do assess the contribution of ICIIC to the development of the chemical and petrochemical industry in Iran?

Iran Chemical Industries Investment Company (I.C.I.I.C.) established by Bank of Industry and Mine. Our company produces linear alkyl benzene, which is the main raw material for powder and liquid detergent.

To produce this product we use a technology that we originally received from an American company named Universal Oil Products (UOP). We signed our contract 25 years ago with the London branch of UOP because of the limitations of dealing with the US. Our original capacity was around 50,000 tons per year and we started our production around 22 years ago.

The yearly demand in the domestic market at that time was around 38,000 tons. The remainder of our capacity was exported to countries like India and countries in the Persian Gulf such as Kuwait, Qatar, and sometimes Oman.

In some countries like India, which do not have oil, normal paraffin is used to produce linear alkyl benzene instead of kerosene, which is a product from the oil refinery. When we completed our first expansion project we had already exported annually around 75,000 tons of normal paraffin.

What is your strategy for staying ahead of the competition here?

During the last few years we sold around 75,000 tons of linear alkyl benzene to the domestic market, with which we fulfill 90% of domestic demand. The consumption of detergent in the country has increased from 2kg per capita annually 22 years ago to over 15kg now. In some European countries consumption is even at 35kg. Before ICIIC was founded, all the linear alkyl benzene that was needed in Iran was imported, mainly from Spain, Italy, and Germany.

Around 12-15 years ago, we did our first expansion project and increased our capacity from 50,000 to 75,000 tons per year. To produce linear alkyl benzene we used kerosene as the main raw material, which we received from Esfahan Refinery via a pipeline to our factory. In the process of producing linear alkyl benzene, normal paraffin is produced.

After we started our production nearly the full domestic demand was delivered by us and the average consumption of detergent increased. In the process of producing linear alkyl benzene we use a dangerous hydrofluoric acid (HF acid) as a catalyst. The boiling point of this acid is 18 degrees centigrade and breathing air polluted by HF acid (Gas form) will absorb body calcium and would lead to certain death.

Also at that time we increased the capacity to produce normal paraffin from 43,000 per year to 140,000 tons in our first expansion project. After that we also exported normal paraffin and not only linear alkyl benzene.

Because using the HF acid as a catalyst is so dangerous, UOP improved its technology and changed the catalyst from liquid HF acid to another catalyst called DETAL. During the last 2-3 years we negotiated with UOP London to receive this latest technology.

33

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

OIL&GAS What is the export strategy of your subsidiary Commercial Port Services?

This company fully belongs to ICIIC and is located at Bushehr Port, on the Persian Gulf. It operates around 10 storage tanks.

We send our product by truck from Esfahan to Bushehr. From there it goes to its final destination by vessel. We export to countries like India, China, Indonesia, and sometimes Turkey and Pakistan. We have some exports to Turkey by road as well, but mainly it goes by vessel from the port.

Are there new export markets which you are targeting?

We have some plans to develop our export markets and are looking for some African countries. When you go through the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea there are some African countries like Kenya and Sudan and we are looking for markets in those countries to develop our export market.

We want to focus on the eastern part of Africa because it is important to be careful with the transportation costs. Our competitor is a Spanish company that also produces linear alkyl benzene. From Spain they use the Mediterranean Sea to transport their products so when we are going to transport our product we need to be able to compete.

This is why we are looking to export to countries where we can compete on transportation costs. We have agreements with some experienced consultants to assist us in opening new markets.

What is your outlook for the year ahead?

I am positive. Especially for petrochemical companies, the future will provide good market circumstances. Our product sales and exports increase every year and we believe that our second expansion project and the application of the new catalyst technology will allow us to increase our revenues.

something happened and we had to wait. After the signing of the nuclear deal, UOP accepted to start negotiations about providing us with this new technology.

This resulted in a contract that was signed in late 2016. We are now in the process of paying an advance to it and we have done a kick-off meeting with UOP people in Istanbul.

We have arranged an appointment to have technical meetings with UOP London soon to train our technical staff and receive the new technology.

We are now conducting our second expansion project, which involves the removal of the dangerous HF acid from our production process while increasing the capacity by around 100,000 tons per year. Once completed, we will be able to produce around 200,000 tons of linear alkyl benzene per year.

BIOGRAPHY Dariush Hamidi was Born in June, 1944 in Tehran, and went on to receive an MSc degree in chemical and petrochemical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran.

With more than 45 years of experience in the cement industry as well as linear alkyl benzene (LAB) production, he has served as CEO and Board member of Gharb Cement Co., Urmia Cement Co., Sarooj Bushehr International Corp. (Kangan Cement Plant), and Iran Chemical Industries Investment Co. (I.C.I.I.C).

He was also executive manager and founder of Gharb Cement Plant in Kermanshah – Urmia Cement Plant in West Azerbaijan – Kangan Cement Plant in Bushehr, and an LAB-producing complex in Isfahan. In addition, he is a member of the Business Excellence Elites Club (Bees Club).

Because of the sanctions, every time it said it was ready,

34

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

GOLD PRODUCING COUNTRIES

MINING

37

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

38

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

39

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

40

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

41

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

42

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

Dust Suppression Overview Heavy duty dewatering pumps DWK benefits: ¡ High reliability and flexibility pumps with protection features for harsh operation environments ¡ Top-discharge with different connection types available for multiply uses of the pumps, depending on conditions and specific needs ¡ Pumps up to 15 kW have a double mechanical seal and pump from 22 kW to 90 kW have a triple-seal system, for longer operation and less downtime The working range of DWK pumps is up to 430 m3/h flow rate maximum and up to maximum 89 m pressure head maximum.

Dust suppression is an important aspect of mining operations, and to reduce the volume of raw water required, recycled process water from settlement tanks is often used for this purpose. The creation of dust is an unavoidable result of mining operations and can clog pipes and mechanical parts, creating additional maintenance and repairs.

Water spray systems remain the most efficient and cost-effective means of dust control for both process and fugitive dust emissions. A Grundfos pumping solution can move a large amount of water in a short time, making it possible to use a large nozzle configuration and minimise the need for filtration.

Settlement ponds are a cost-effective way of reducing the size and cost of subsequent water treatment by reducing the organic load in the wastewater, by letting gravity remove impurities. The resulting water can be filtered and treated for reuse in the mineral process, or for dust suppression.

Our range of submersible multistage pumps (SP) along with variable speed drives (CUE) is unmatched for well types. State-of-the-art hydraulic design delivers optimum energy efficiency during periods of high demand with high reliability, very long service intervals and low total cost of ownership. Using of variable speed drive ensures more balanced water drawdown, protecting the water source. Grundfos matches the stainless steel build quality of the SP pumps to the groundwater conditions. Depending of the corrosion risk, high grade stainless steel variants are available. Grundfos is a supplier of the pump, motor and controls for an optimal pumping system.

The working range of SP pumps is up to 470 m3/h flow rate maximum and up to 670 m pressure head maximum.

Correct material selection is the most important method of corrosion prevention, prolonging the life span of pumps and pumps systems.

Grundfos can supply the specialist expertise to help meet your performance objectives, from the initial identification of needs, to the selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of the pumping solution. Furthermore, Grundfos tailors commissioning agreements and service agreements to your requirements, and spare parts kits and on-site recommended spare parts can also be arranged.

The Grundfos Hydro MPC range of multistage pressure boosting systems means you can manage your pressure zones with ease for the optimum transporting of water from settlement tanks, for the filling of tanks, and for delivering water to water spray systems. As standard, Hydro MPC booster systems consist of two to six CRI(E) or CR(E) pumps coupled in parallel and mounted on a common base frame with all the necessary fittings and a control cabinet. The working range of Hydro MPC boosting system is up to 720 m3/h flow rate maximum and up to 160 m pressure head maximum.

Solid construction with high-grade materials such as chromium steel and silicon carbide means the Grundfos DW range of dewatering pumps is ideal for pits, for temporary or fixed installation, and offers high-pressure pump performance unhindered by sand or other abrasives. Solid cast iron construction and narrow design characterises the Grundfos DWK range of dewatering pumps, and this range can pump small stones at greater flow than the Grundfos DW range.

www.adara-bg.com Bulgaria, 1784 Sofia jk"Mladost-1', bul. Andrej Saharov, bl. 75A, ap.2 tel.: + 359 2 974-49-38 fax: + 359 2 974-40-38 GSM: +359 889 161 000; +359 878 405 888 office@adara-bg.com

43

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

Top 10 Ways to Make Mines More Environmentally Friendly 1. Closing illegal and unregulated mines In context with enforcing regulations and maintaining steadfast legislation regarding a mine’s behavior and processes, the strict and swift closing of illegal or unregulated mining activity will set an environmental precedent within the industry.

For example, before 2010, most mines in China were completely unregulated when it came to the environment and the shortcomings it was bringing to surrounding Chinese areas. After years of lax regulation and undisciplined treatment of illegal, unpermitted mines, China's government responded to a wave of public protest and partly in its own selfinterest enacted new policy measures for greener mining. These were codified in the Rare Earth Industrial Development Policy. The following regulations are the most important out of those now in practice, and they are being enforced to discourage illegal and environmentally careless mining. These measures are not yet all fully implemented in China, but the legal productivity and environmental impact are set to increase by two-fold 44

thanks to the closure of the illegal activity, and the cultivation of the existing legal mines.

reductions in materials use-often by as much as 90 percent,� reports the Canary Institute in Canada.

2. Scrap mining and recycling

3. Better legislation and regulations

On a global scale, mining corporations around the world are discovering efficient ways to capitalize fully on materials in order to provide the goods and services people want using much less wood, metal, stone, plastic and other materials. By reducing the amount of wasteful use on a public and private level, and by steering production towards the sole use of durable goods that can be easily reusable, re-manufactured, or recycled, the mining industry can begin to reduce its impact on an international scale.

Standard legislation concerning the efficiency of mining is a long way off from being the most productive and most strict government mandates that exists today.

Obviously these regulations differ between nations, with some countries more advanced in terms of their legislation than others, however the need for improvement is always there in this industry, which inevitably causes some environmental damage.

This creative trend of scrap mining, or utilizing ever-reusable resource for other mining initiatives, stems from the recognition of the environmental costs of excessive materials use. Mining exacts a severe and sometimes irreversible toll on public health, water and air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and community interests. “Recognizing that "business-asusual" practices are unsustainable, some nations, international organizations, and environmental groups are calling for major

In Canada for example, mines like the Island Copper Mine on Vancouver Island stands as a highly regulated mine site that operated from 1971 until 1995 when it was closed for resource depletion. It was due to the regulation and control of the government that a detailed mine closure plan was developed to comfortably close the mine in order to protect the few resources which remained, and the B.C. enacted the contaminated sites regulation process which was awarded the Certificate of Conditional Compliance.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING 4. Improving environmental performance Mining impacts the environment in unnatural ways, which not only disrupts its natural decaying process, but also does more damage long-term than natural erosion processes. With exorbitant numbers of materials excavated and used daily, it is important to see that this destruction is actually going towards productive use.

By systematically examining environmental impacts and adopting measures to mitigate these impacts, it is possible to make mining less destructive of the environment. Incremental efficiency gains will not do the job. Instead, an imaginative remaking of the industrial world-one that aligns economies with the natural environment that supports them is the sustainable way forward. Recycling has a number of advantages. Canada’s offices like The Pembina Institute, the Natural Step and The National Office of Pollution Prevention are all behind these huge pushes towards not only monitoring mining manufacturing performance, but environmental performance as well.

5. Accurate tallying of toxic mining waste Another problem with the whole sustainable mining debate has to do with secrecy in reporting toxic mining waste.

Mining companies have not been accurately reporting the amounts being dumped into the environment and in doing so, have kept the public in the dark. Most notably this has been occurring with the Canadian people as of late, with a huge public backlash being the center of much of the mining industry controversy being targeted on accurate waste tallying lately.

While sustainable mining looks good on paper and seems easy enough to follow provincial or federal guidelines, the industry has a way to go before it can be considered even remotely green.

6. Building from reusable waste Not only can mining present a hazard to the environment, but it can also be seen as a toll on public health if appropriate measures are not taken to ensure that the mining process is being done as safely and efficiently as possible. Case studies from mines around the world have provided numerous success stories of corporations and private mines alike being able to build new construction and 45

infrastructure from the reusable materials that a mine site presents. For example, aluminum can be substituted as a recyclable material rather than using bauxite ore, which is a rarer and less reusable item.

efficiency and a better understood industry.

By noticing the small details of the products used and generated in a mine site, the mining industry can make strides towards being a more sustainable industry. Tricks like recycling copper, which takes seven times less energy than processing ore, recycling steel which uses three-and-a-half times less energy than ore, can go a long way in determining the longevity of a mine and its positive environmental impact.

A seemingly simple but rarely prioritized activity, replenishing mine sites and mine environments is one of the key factors to not only earning the respect and cooperation of those living near the mine, but will ultimately protect the mine’s impact on the environment. Simple solutions like replenishing native soils and grasses, cleaning excess waste, proper waste removal, site inspections and replanting trees and natural forestry can rejuvenate a long-term ecosystem repair and sustain the environment for years beyond when the mine is no longer operating. The entire reclamation process should include: removing hazardous materials, reshaping land, restoring topsoil, and planting native grasses, trees or ground cover natural to the site.

9. Replenishing the environment

7. Closing and reclaiming sites of shutdown mines The dangers of allowing no longer working mines to exist can not only allowing wasted debris the opportunity to rot and decay on site, but it can lead to illegal or unregulated mining activity. Enacting small decommissioning groups and contractors to take apart the mining processing facilities and plants; this process will allow the pipelines to be drained, equipment and parts of the mine to be cleaned and sold off, the buildings can be repurposed or demolished, warehouse materials recovered, and wasted disposed of.

The main objective in the reclaiming process is to return the sire and the land which surrounds it back to reusable standards, ensuring that any landforms and structures are stable, and why watercourses need to be evaluated in order to regain water quality within the affected area.

8. Investing in research and development of Green Mining Technology The mining industry is one that is always in need of proper research and development in order to make sure the industry to ever-changing with today’s commitment to sustainability and turning the world into a more “green friendly’ place. Through either state of federal agencies, collecting funding and allowing that funding to be dispersed into ROD funds for Green Mining can be one way to positively impact the environment before and after mining projects. By pushing the envelope and never letting the future slip too far from reach, staying ahead can prevent unnecessary waste in the sense of less reusable materials, better

10. Improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes By targeting the goal of closely monitoring the standard mining supply chain, mining industry giants will be forced to confront the ways in which a company can improve its efficiency by seeing exactly where the organization is lacking in terms of sustainability and green mining initiatives.

This supervision of the manufacturing process is essential in order to develop new ways of thinking, new metrics, and new management/supervisory tools that will help cushion the transition into more efficient and less environmentally-harmful patterns of resource use in modern societies.

Organizations like The World Resources Institute are currently conducting research on the most frequently used resources and materials, in order to better understand how the industry can conserve its non-renewable materials. The WRI has been working towards developing a database, and can now indicate the flow of materials through industrial economies.

Material flows analyses will track the physical flows of natural resources through extraction, production, fabrication, use and recycling, and final disposal, accounting for both the gains and losses occurring throughout the supply chain.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

46

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

MINING

Australian $900mn rare earth Nolan project recommended for approval A $900mn rare earth mineral mine, set for Australia, has just taken a step closer to reality as it receives recommendation for approval from environmental regulators.

The Nolans Project, a proposed rare earth project from Arafura Resources, has been recommended for approval from the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The approval rating comes after a twoyear long process due to “several long term environmental risks and impacts.”

Despite these identified risks, the EPA believes that under the correct management they can be mitigated, paving way for a successful mining operation.

Arafura Resources Sustainability manager Brian Fowler said the approval of the EPA was a significant milestone for the project, which began 10 years ago.

"What it'll enable us to do now is to go forward and do our detailed mine planning which will then lead us to financial investment decision in the late part of this year with a view to then starting 47

wipers, steering and braking. Importantly, NdPr has also emerged as a key enabler of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) as high-performance magnets play a key role in electric traction motors.

construction, assuming we can attract the required financing, in 2019," he said.

The Nolans project The Nolans Project, 100 per cent-owned

by Arafura, is located near Aileron, 135 kilometres north-north-west of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Arafura’s Managing Director, Gavin Lockyer, said, “Our sustainability team has worked diligently alongside our environmental consultants GHD to produce comprehensive, quality documentation to support the passage of the Nolans project through the Northern Territory environmental approvals process.

Arafura plans to mine, concentrate and chemically process rare earths at the Nolans site, then transport an intermediate product to an offshore refinery for final processing into saleable rare earth products.

The Nolans project will have a life of mine (LOM) for around 30-35 years. Arafura is planning to mine up to five million tonnes each year to produce 650,000 tonnes of run-of-mine (ROM) ore.

The key rare earths from the project are Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr).

NdPr is in short supply globally and is the critical raw material in the manufacture of ultra-strong, high-performance permanent magnets, which are used extensively in the automotive industry for electric components such as seats, mirrors,

“This should go some way to securing final government approval for the project, enabling construction to move forward, subject to financing and FID. “Arafura is also acutely aware of the importance of community acceptance – our social licence to operate – so we will maintain a strong focus on communication and consultation on all aspects of the project,” Lockyer said.

energyandecology.com

Issue 9 January 2018

ALL THINGS FLOW

IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY SCT SMART CONVEYING TECHNOLOGY

SCT

1421, Sofia, Bulgaria Orphey 19 str., floor 3

Tel.: +359 2 866 60 60 Fax: +359 2 963 42 51 Mob.: + 359 888 26 96 62 E-mail: xelex@techno-link.com