Bhubaneswar: Smartchem Technologies Limited’s (STL) plant at Gopalpur Industrial Park, in the district of Ganjamwill help Odisha assert its dominance in Mining Chemicals on the world stage. It will be instrumental in keeping the domestic market for mining chemicals stable, lower the need for imports and result in benefiting the country to be self-reliant (Atmanirbhar). When completed, the plant will produce 377 KTPA of TechnicalAmmonium Nitrate, a vital component in not just the mining of Coal, Limestone, Steel, other metals but also a critical element in the road/infra industries, with applications in even the pharma industry for manufacturing of anaesthetic gases used in hospitals.

Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) in its solid form (prill or crystal) is white, odourless product. Being a strong oxidizer, makes it one of the ingredients for manufacturing mining chemicals that are used as explosives.Ammonium Nitrate is not an explosive by itself but may turn into one when mixed with fuel and other sensitizers.

STL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers And Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) which was established in 1979,supports critical sectors of the economy such as infrastructure, mining, chemicals, pharmaceutical and agriculture.DFPCL/STL has more than four decades of robust knowledge and extensive experience in TAN Manufacturing process. Its plants are operating in the States of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, in thickly populated areas like Taloja and Srikakulam for years.Today, STL is the fifth largest producer of Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) in the world.

Set up with an investment of Rs 2,300 crores, STL’s Gopalpur plant is strategically located near the major mining hubs and Gopalpur port to capture domestic demand as well as tap into export opportunities. It will contribute more than Rs 830 crores per annum towards import substitution, Rs 3,000 crores in GST and Rs 1,100 crores in Income Tax to the Govt. over 10 years. Moreover, this project will kick-start investment around Gopalpur, promote downstream industries, that will further commercial opportunities to the locality.

STL has received all applicable environmental and statutory approvals for the project. Company has put in place all the appropriate processes to comply with the environmental protection measures and safeguards.

The Casale TechnologySwing technology adopted for the project is one amongst the most advanced technology available today to manufacture TAN. The plant at Gopalpur incorporates NOx/N2O abatement system, 2- stage Scrubbers, ESPs on the Boiler vent stack etcto ensure lowest levels of emissions thus complying with the highest safety, environment, and security standards in reference to AN Rules and emission standards.

This project is designed with extensive water conservation programs viz. re-use, re-circulation, rainwater harvesting, process water regeneration, cooling load optimsation etc to reduce water consumption.

Company also will be developing a green belt within the complex premises with plants and trees selected as per the CPCB guidelines in consultation with the State Forest Department.

DFPCL’sCSR foundation, over the last 25years has supported Dairy, Health, Vocational Training and Income Generation Programs with special emphasis on Women’s Upliftment. Itscommitment to simultaneously build economic, social, and environmental capital propelled the Company’s team to address persistent and some of the most challenging societal issues including education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods and infuse communities and individuals with renewed hope, energy, and confidence. The company has allocated funds for its Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) plan which it intends to execute over the next 5 years. The amount will be used to improve local infrastructure and medical facilities, undertake skill development training programs to enable employability or self-sustained business, improve drinking water, upscale government schools, as well as the surrounding landscaping in close coordination with the State Government officials.