Name of the Project
Mkhondo Paper Mill upgrade project.

Location
Mpumalanga, in South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Paper and plastics packaging manufacturing company Mpact.

Project Description
The project includes improvements to the Mkhondo Paper Mill’s paper machine, which increases its capacity by about 10 000 t/y to 142 000 t/y.

In addition, the pulping section will be upgraded, which will increase the wood pulping capacity by an estimated 55 000 t/y to 110 000 t/y. This will enable the migration to a higher proportion of semichemical (SC) fluting production with improved properties.

SC fluting is required to produce corrugated cartons for demanding cold-chain applications, owing to its high strength, moisture resistance, and durability, and is widely used in fresh fruit, other agricultural exports, and specialised applications.

A new spray drying facility will also be installed at the mill to beneficiate the additional by-product generated from the wood pulping process. This will result in the production of up to 35 000 t of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) powder, primarily for export sales. SLS powder is widely used as a concrete additive in the construction industry, among other applications.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project will require an investment of R1.2-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Startup of the project is planned for the first half of 2025.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Mpact, tel +27 11 994 5500.