The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and its subsidiary, Pelchem, have launched phases three and four of their multipurpose fluorochemicals pilot plant (MFPP) at the Necsa site, at Pelindaba.

Phases one and two of the project, aimed at producing commercial-scale samples of various fluorochemical products, was launched in June 2012, with the subsequent two phases extending the facility’s capability to produce new, high-value, speciality fluorochemical products, Necsa chairperson Dr Mochubela Seekoe explained.

The pilot plant was multiproduct-enabled, which meant that it was capable of producing virtually any type of fluorochemical product.

The pilot project also supported student training in engineering and chemistry at master’s and doctoral, as well as technician and operator, levels.

Seekoe stated that the MFPP was expected to play a critical role in converting the technology developed in laboratories into viable commercial projects, through the demonstration of this technology on a larger scale to attract commercial investors and potential clients.

Also speaking at the launch, Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom said the MFPP effectively “bridges the gap between laboratory-based research and commercial technology and product development”.

He reiterated that the pilot plant allowed the country to demonstrate the commercial viability “of these versatile and essential chemicals globally”.

“Our challenge now is to use this facility and its products to attract the attention of large customers and leading fluorochemicals companies. Government’s strategy for the Fluorochemicals Expansion Initiative is not only to produce fluorochemicals, but to also integrate and build a value chain of end-products. This can only be done if government and industry players form partnerships to ensure the pillars of competiveness are solid,” he commented.

“If there are policies to be made or changed, let us start working on these now. If special incentives are required, let us get our colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry involved,” the Minister stated.

He further pointed out that the Department of Science and Technology- (DST-) supported Fluorochemicals Expansion Initi- ative, also called the Fluorspar Beneficiation Programme, represented an import- ant part of South Africa’s drive to move from a primarily resource-based economy to a competitive technology- and innovation-driven economy, through the addition of value to basic raw materials.

“And, of course, we happen to have the largest deposits of fluorite in the world,” he added.

Hanekom stated that the products of fluorspar beneficiation had massive value addition potential, which, if fully exploited, would result in significant employment opportunities and export earnings.

“It will certainly assist us in our drive to build a more competitive manufacturing sec- tor. This is particularly important in the chemicals sector, where the trade deficit remains high,” he said, adding that the department’s initiatives were geared towards putting South Africa on the map as a destination for scientific collaboration, direct investment and the sourcing of high-quality, advanced chemicals.

“We want to lay a solid foundation on which future generations can build, so that South Africa can become a powerful global player in the chemicals sector. The fluorochemicals programme is taking the lead and paving the way towards this goal.”

He said that the scientific community had to think big, be creative and explore all avenues for fluorochemical applications.

“We must take the lead and not merely follow international researchers by trying to improve their technology. We must develop new products and new applications that could assist in addressing a multitude of developmental challenges, including in housing, energy, water and health.”