Operations

ZimPhos makes two grades of superphosphate, Single Superphosphate (SSP) with 20% phosphate (P2O5) content and triple superphosphate (TSP) with 45% phosphate content.

The SSP is made by mixing phosphate rock with sulphuric acid while TSP is made from phosphate  rock and phosphoric acid. The same equipment is used at different times to make the two products. Mono-Calcium Phosphate (MCP) is also produced in the same plant from phosphoric acid and limestone and is used as a source of phosphates in animal stock feed formulations.

ZimPhos traditionally produced sulphuric acid from two plants. The oldest plant used local iron pyrites as a source of sulphur while the other uses imported elemental sulphur. The pyrites burning plant was maintenance intensive and was closed down in 2010 when it became no longer viable. The sulphur burning plant was temporarily shut down during the economic meltdown era in the country but will be restarted in 2013 after a major revamp currently in progress. In the meantime the company is using imported acid. Most of the acid produced is used for phosphates production while a smaller proportion is used for aluminium sulphate production and sales, including exports, mainly to the mining industry.