UAN is a solution of urea and ammonium nitrate in water used as a fertilizer. (File photo)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Orica has launched its new fertiliser business with plans for a local manufacturing plant for urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) in Moree, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Orica Agriculture also expects to begin supply of anhydrous ammonia to east coast growers in April next year, with dedicated line haul and on-farm nurse tank fleets. Construction of the UAN plant is scheduled to commence in 2018.
These investments will bring increased competition, as well as secure and consistent supply of liquid and gas nitrogen fertiliser, to growers on the east coast of Australia. In addition to the new UAN plant, Orica Agriculture will supply anhydrous ammonia from Orica plants in Newcastle, NSW and Yarwun, Queensland.
“Liquid fertiliser is a speciality product used with great success in Western Australia and other markets globally and there is growing interest in the eastern states. We believe the market is ready to embrace the benefits of UAN including precision application during specific crop growth stages, reducing passes over paddocks and the reliance on pending rainfall for incorporation of fertiliser,” said Paul Scutt, senior business manager, Orica Agriculture.
“Employment is a key ‘plus’ for our community – more than 10 permanent jobs together with the potential for more than 20 jobs in the trucking industry represents a good, solid boost. We see Orica’s commitment to Moree as an important catalyst that will encourage other firms and industries to explore the commercial advantages our region can offer,” added Mayor Katrina Humphries, Moree Plains Shire Council.
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