BMC Set To Build Methanol Plant
By khairuhuisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) will start construction on its methanol plant in the Sungai Liang Industrial Park as early as May, following site preparation works that will commence later this month.

Kinya Tsuji, BMC CEO, told The Brunei Times the firm is sketching the final investment draft (FID). "Construction will begin once the FID is approved by the shareholders," he said.

He was also optimistic about the future of the methanol industry, adding both Brunei and Japan, a partner in the project bring their own advantages and expertise to the table.

For Brunei, the sultanate's strategic location is an advantage. "Brunei is located in the centre of the Asian market," Tsuji said. He said the produce from the plant, projected to be generated at a rate of 2,500 tonnes of methanol daily, is bound for export destinations in Asia.

Meanwhile, the Japanese partners, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Itochu Corporation, have the technological and marketing capability. "Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has the production and operation technology and know-how," Tsuji said, adding that methanol plant operations are complicated and require technical skills and knowledge.

When asked about the benefits and spin-off of the project, he said methanol is a basic chemical that has a wide variety of derivatives that can be used in many different end products. Some of the derivatives include formaldehyde and acetic acid, while end products include resin, adhesives, paint, plastics and solvents.

Another benefit is employment generation, Tsuji added. While he did not give any figures, a BMC report on the Brunei Economic Development Board website stated that about 120 to 130 jobs are expected to be created in the operation phase, with more than 600 new jobs created indirectly to work on potential derivatives.

Creation of spin-off and support SMEs is another advantage.

Tsuji said local businesses can be created and existing ones given a boost with the establishment of the methanol plant. "(Local companies can) help BMC run its business, for instance by providing maintenance and transport," he said.

Tsuji said the proposed methanol plant would not bring great harm to the environment. "We have to consider how to best coordinate with the environment and keep it safe," he said.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with