Maaden’s ammonia plant began initial production in February and has an estimated output capacity of 1.1 million tons per year.

Maaden president and CEO Khalid Al-Mudaifer said the maiden shipment of 12,000 metric tons of ammonia would be exported to markets in South East Asia.

The product will be used as feedstock to make diammonium phosphate with excess ammonia being sold for export.

MPC will start manufacturing Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer (DAP) in the second quarter of 2011. The plant’s annual output is expected to reach 2.92 million tons.

Maaden is developing its aluminium and phosphate mega projects in conjunction with its gold and industrial minerals projects to expand its portfolio in mining and related industries.

He said Maaden is committed to building solid foundations in all its industry sectors, promoting the transfer of technology and maximizing shareholder value.

Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Ports Authority, congratulated the Ministry of Petroleum and Prince Saud bin Thunayan, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, as well as Maaden’s board members and officials for their achievements.

He said excellent cooperation between Maaden and the Saudi Ports Authority resulted in the successful completion of the Ras Al-Zour Port project on schedule in line with global standards.

The Ras Az Zawr Port includes three berths and a service dock, Al-Tuwaijri pointed out.

He said work was underway to build two additional berths to increase capacity.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) vice-chairman and chief executive officer Mohammed Al-Mady described the first shipment as an “important milestone”.

Maaden was set up to facilitate the development of Saudi Arabia’s non-petroleum mineral resources and to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from the petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

Ma’aden is engaged in the development, advancement and improvement of all aspects of the mineral industry, mineral products and by-products and related industries in Saudi Arabia.