Qatar is set to host the Middle East’s first-ever salt production facility, a landmark development spearheaded by QatarEnergy’s TAWTEEN localisation programme. The new venture, Qatar Salt Products Company (QSalt), marks a significant milestone in the region’s industrial advancement.
The facility, to be built in the Um Al Houl area, will transform Qatar’s salt industry, reducing reliance on imports and establishing a steady supply of industrial and food-grade salts. The project is the result of a joint partnership between Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (MPHC) with a 40% share, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Co. (QIMC) with 30%, and Turkey’s Atlas Yatirim Planlama with 30%.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cemented this collaboration during a ceremony attended by HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, with some senior officials from participating companies.
HE Al-Kaabi expressed pride in this first-of-its-kind facility in the region, highlighting its importance in boosting self-sufficiency and supporting both local and export markets. ‘We are pleased to witness the establishment of this very important joint venture that will help enhance Qatar’s self-sufficiency by producing both industrial and table salts to meet local demand and to support regional and international exports.’
With an investment of approximately QAR1 billion, the facility is expected to produce one million tons of salt annually, addressing Qatar’s current importation of around 850,000 tons of salt per year. It will also supply key industrial salts essential for the petrochemical industry, including bromine and potassium chlorides, alongside demineralised water in later phases.
The advanced technology used in the plant will recover reject water from reverse osmosis desalination processes, transforming waste into valuable products. This sustainable approach not only enhances the country’s industrial capabilities but also supports QatarEnergy’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Jabr Al Thani, Chairman of QIMC, hailed the project as a pioneering endeavour that underscores the private sector’s contribution to Qatar’s economy. Nusret Argun, Chairman of Atlas Yatirim Planlama, echoed these sentiments, calling the facility a critical project for localisation and supply security in the region.
The plant will be operated by Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) and Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC), ensuring its alignment with Qatar’s broader industrial goals. As part of the TAWTEEN initiative, this project reflects QatarEnergy’s dedication to fostering local content and strengthening domestic industries.
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