Wednesday, 14 December 2022 09:08

Ravensdown trialling Australian phosphate rock

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Ravensdown is importing 5,000 tonnes of phosphate rock from the newly commissioned Ardmore Mine in Queensland, Australia. Ravensdown is importing 5,000 tonnes of phosphate rock from the newly commissioned Ardmore Mine in Queensland, Australia.

Fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown is trialling a new source of phosphate rock from Australia.

It is importing 5,000 tonnes of phosphate rock from the newly commissioned Ardmore Mine in Queensland, Australia.

Mike Whitty, Ravensdown general manager supply chain, says that it’s early days, but Ardmore Phosphate Rock has the potential to form a part of Ravensdown’s nutrient offering, helping to firm up local supply of high-quality Superphosphate for New Zealand farmers and growers.

“If the last few years have proven anything, it’s the value of having more options.

“We’re operating in an ongoing environment of instability when it comes to managing supply chain risks and increasing costs. It’s a culmination of familiar factors, including the conflict in Ukraine, political tensions in other parts of the world, and we’re seeing that COVID-19 has a very long tail.

“The lasting effects of the pandemic reach beyond simple shipping delays, we’re also seeing less commodity exports as countries like China intensify their focus on internal food security.

“As a Co-operative, it’s our job to identify and manage those risks on behalf of our farmer and grower shareholders. We’re committed to ensuring they have ongoing access to the essential nutrients needed to run their businesses.”

The trial shipment will undergo rigorous quality tests here in New Zealand.

The export operation at Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine is owned by a 100% subsidiary of Centrex Ltd, Agriflex Pty Ltd.

Centrex chief executive Robert Mencel, says it is delighted to be working with Ravensdown to introduce our product to the New Zealand market.

“We have the utmost confidence in the quality of our phosphate rock and its ability to significantly reduce supply risk for our trans-Tasman allies.”

Ravensdown will continue to investigate and trial other sources of phosphate rock closer to New Zealand as part of our ongoing effort to manage quality, surety and cost risks for New Zealand farmers and growers.

About the trial shipment

- Ardmore Mine in Queensland Australia is a new source of high-grade phosphate rock.

- The phosphate rock will be tested and processed at Ravensdown’s Christchurch and Dunedin manufacturing sites.

- Superphosphate contains plant-available phosphorus, sulphur and calcium, which are all essential nutrients for life. It’s an ideal  option, along with agricultural lime for managing the health and productivity of New Zealand’s pasture-based farming systems.

More like this

Agnition announces new online sales channel

Ravensdown’s venture arm, Agnition, has announced a new online sales platform in an effort to give Kiwis more choices for how they purchase fertiliser and other agricultural products.

Featured

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive…

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

No to pines

OPINION: Forests planted for carbon credits are permanently locking up NZ’s landscapes, and could land us with more carbon costs,…

Cut with care

OPINION: NZ farming is built on hard work, but also on innovation, a lot of which came about thanks to…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter