SUISO is making waves in Mpumalanga with its massive R31.5 billion investment aimed at transforming South Africa’s coal reserves into nitrogen-based fertilisers. This pioneering coal to fertiliser project is not just about economic growth; it’s about creating jobs, bolstering food security, and positioning South Africa as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture.
“With this project, SUISO is not only addressing food security but also making a significant contribution to South Africa’s economic empowerment and growth,” says Paul Erskine, SUISO founder.
Creating Jobs and Upskilling Communities
SUISO’s ambitious project is a beacon of hope for Mpumalanga’s economy. The construction phase, set to begin in 2026, will create 4,000 jobs, while 981 permanent positions will become available when operations commence in 2029.
To ensure a skilled and sustainable workforce, SUISO is establishing the Gerhard Potgieter Engineering Training College onsite, which aims to upskill 400 individuals. This initiative underscores SUISO’s commitment to community development and long-term empowerment.
Boosting Agriculture with Localised Fertiliser Production
South Africa imports 1.2 million tons of urea fertilisers annually—a practice SUISO plans to eliminate by producing 1.5 million tons of nitrogen-based fertilisers each year. This shift will save foreign exchange, stabilize local agriculture against volatile global supply chains, and reduce dependency on imports.
The project also includes the production of 234,000 tons of clean, zero-sulphur blue methanol annually, aligning with South Africa’s Fuel Act of 2027. By employing advanced decarbonisation and carbon capture technologies, SUISO enhances its sustainability footprint while improving nitrogen efficiency in farming through controlled-release fertilisers.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
SUISO’s project brings together some of the world’s leading names in engineering and agriculture. Collaborating with Sinopec Ningbo Engineering—a Fortune 500 giant—alongside Netherlands-based Stamicarbon and ETG (Export Trading Group), the initiative integrates global best practices in technology, efficiency, and community upliftment.
ETG’s exclusive fertiliser distribution networks will ensure SUISO’s products reach farming communities across sub-Saharan Africa, directly supporting local agriculture and food security.
Innovative Technology with a Purpose
SUISO’s integrated operations span coal gasification to syngas, hydrogen, ammonia, and fertiliser production. By combining these processes with blue methanol production, the project achieves efficiency while minimizing its environmental impact.
Operating from a 900-hectare inland site, SUISO also reduces logistical costs, benefiting farmers directly. Negotiations are ongoing for a 15-year power purchase agreement with a renewable energy provider, further solidifying SUISO’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
Tackling Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Food security remains a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, which hosts over a billion people but operates only five fertiliser plants. In stark contrast, China has 277 fertiliser plants for 1.4 billion people.
SUISO’s facility will bridge this gap by producing high-quality fertilisers, supporting local agriculture, and addressing the region’s food production challenges. By 2050, food production will need to increase by 60%, and SUISO’s project is a crucial step toward meeting this goal.
Economic Growth Meets Sustainability
Beyond agriculture, SUISO’s innovative use of coal highlights a shift towards value-added, sustainable solutions. Annually utilizing 1.5 million tons of coal, the facility demonstrates how traditional resources can be repurposed for modern needs.
“This is more than a fertiliser project,” Erskine states. “It’s a commitment to South Africa’s economic empowerment, food security, and sustainable development. With global partnerships, innovative technologies, and a focus on community upliftment, we are set to redefine the agricultural and economic landscape of the sub-continent.”
Conclusion
SUISO’s ZAR 31.5 billion investment is more than a financial undertaking; it’s a transformative initiative for South Africa’s economy and agriculture. With cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, SUISO is poised to create a brighter, more secure future for Mpumalanga and beyond.
