Key points
- Cahya Mata Phosphates, based in Sarawak, Malaysia, runs three electric arc furnaces with demand for 440,000 tonnes per annum of lump phosphate.
- The invitation follows positive test results from two tranches of lump phosphate samples sent over the past two years.
- Tender submissions are required by Sept. 18, 2025.
- Chatham’s planned Karumba export facility would handle about 200,000 tonnes per annum of lump phosphate transported by road train from the Korella North mine.
Chatham Rock Phosphate Ltd. has confirmed that it has further advanced the future prospects of its Korella North mine with a recent invitation from Cahya Mata to tender for supply of lump phosphate to this yellow phosphorus producer in Malaysia.
The invitation to tender results from the positive test results of the lump phosphate samples provided in two tranches over the last two years. Tender submissions are required by Sept. 18, 2025.
Background
The Malaysian phosphate producer Cahya Mata Phosphates is based in Sarawak and utilises abundant sustainable hydroelectric power in its three electric arc furnaces. With the three furnaces in full operation Cahya Mata Phosphates has a demand for 440,000 tonnes per annum of lump phosphate.
The plants produce yellow phosphorous, technical grade phosphoric acid and food grade phosphoric acid (to be used as feedstock for animal feed, fertiliser and other products), with an annual production capacity of 48,000 metric tons (MT), 75,000 MT and 60,000 MT, respectively.
The recent sample sent to Cahya Mata is the second sample sent to them. The supply of samples to Malaysia follows the earlier supply of similar lump phosphate samples to a yellow phosphorus producer in China.
The initial Karumba export facility is planned to handle some 200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lump phosphate with the product being transported by road train from the Korella North mine to an area at Karumba to be leased from Ports North.
About yellow phosphorus
Yellow phosphorus, also referred to as P4, is used as the base to produce thermal grade phosphoric acid/purified phosphoric acid that is used in the manufacture of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries.
About Cahya Mata Phosphates Industries Sdn Bhd
Cahya Mata Phosphates Industries Sdn Bhd (also referred to as Cahya Mata Phosphates), formerly known as Malaysian Phosphate Additives (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, is the first integrated phosphate complex in Malaysia.
The plant is located strategically opposite Samalaju Port in Samalaju Industrial Park and will increase the group’s footprint across the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), as well as strengthening its earnings base in the future.
