Yara stays on target with TAN

Yara Pilbara has stuck to its target of producing first technical ammonium nitrate from its under-construction $800 million plant on Burrup Peninsula later this year, despite a delay to the start of commissioning.

The company had endeavoured to start commissioning in February before first TAN production in September.

The company's other existing plant delivers 850,000 tonnes of liquid ammonia annually.

Last month, Yara struck a long-term seawater supply and brine disposal deal with the Water Corporation, which would underpin the TAN and adjoining ammonia plant for the next 20 years.

Yara Pilbara chief executive Mark Loquan said seawater was crucial for both plants to operate.

"Through our negotiations we have laid the foundation for a collaborative and respectful long-term relationship between our company and Water Corporation with a clear communication protocol," he said.

Water Corporation chief executive Sue Murphy said they were pleased to work together with Yara to adapt the initial arrangements.

Seawater pumped through a Water Corporation pipeline is used in the Yara Pilbara operations for purposes including cooling, steam production and potable water following desalination.

Yara's new TAN plant has a planned capacity of 330,000 tonnes.