Phase 1 of petrochemicals group Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch wax expansion project (FTWEP), in Sasolburg, in the Free State, has been successfully commissioned.
“This is a significant milestone and we are very pleased with this development. It marks another step towards expanding our Southern African operations as part of our dual regional strategy, while demonstrating our commitment to South Africa through industrial investment,” said Sasol Southern African Operations executive VP Bernard Klingenberg.
Phase 1 saw 31-million hours worked, with about 5 500 construction workers on site and involving 450 engineers. About 7 200 t of steel was erected and 600 km of piping used.
Major construction activity on Phase 2 of the FTWEP, which would be commissioned in the first half of 2017, was now under way.
The entire project would see Sasol invest R13.6-billion in the South African economy.
The FTWEP was aimed at doubling Sasol’s hard waxes production capacity.