Resumen de A new era for the salt supply chain
Solar salt typically accounts for around 40% of global production compared to 35% for brine and 25% rock salt, although these shares vary between years according to weather-led demand, as rock salt is preferred for road de-icing. Chlor-alkali production involves the electrolysis of purified salt brine to produce chlorine (Cl2) and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) along with co-product hydrogen gas. The most important organic compound in terms of volume is ethylene dichloride (EDC), the prime chemical precursor to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Caustic soda is a widely used alkali in many industries, including the aluminium and food sectors, textile production, soap and other cleaning agents, water treatment and effluent control. Caustic soda also has a wide range of end uses, including alumina production, pulp and paper manufacturing and chemical processing. UK-listed Sirius Minerals Plc is developing a potash mine in the UK, which may include 2m tpa of rock salt capacity to supply the de-icing market. Food-grade salt commands higher prices than chemical-grade material, owing to the extra processing and packaging costs for food products.
