B.H.P. in chemical joint-venture

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33775, 22 February 1975, Page 13

B.H.P. in chemical joint-venture

(New Zealand Press Association—Copyright)

MELBOURNE.

The Broken Hill Pty Company, Ltd, is taking its first step into the chemical industry, with the Monsanto group of the United States, the chairman (Sir lan McLennan) says in the half-yearly report.

A joint-venture agreement is being negotiated with Monstanto Australia, Ltd, for the manufacture of styrene monomer at a plant to be built in Victoria.

The plant, subject to approval in some respects by Government agencies, is planned to be in production early in 1977.

B.H.P. first indicated that it was looking at the possibility of building a styrene monomer plant in May, 1973.

At the time the company commented: “The project, if pursued, would be based >n modern technology, and involve erection of a new plant, which would cost more than s2om, with a production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum.”

It is believed that the partners are still looking at a plant of this size, but that the capital cost has risen to between s4om, and ssom. Styrene monomer is used in the production of synthetic rubber, and fibre-glass. It is made by blending the oilbased products, ethylene and benzene, and passing them over a catalyst to produce ethyl benzene.

B.H.P. produces benzene at its steel works, and ethane from Bass Strait. It is increasing ethane output: it is installing a third fractionation train at Long Island Point Victoria.