Quechen Silicon to build 100 KT rice husk silica plant in China

ERJ reports that Chinese silica maker Quechen Silicon is building a new 100 KT silica plant based on rice husk ash in the Jiangsu Binhai industrial park, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China. The information is based upon a July 22 filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Capacity will be dedicated to rubber grades and thickening agents. The project is budgeted at RMB 900 million ($125M) and includes two components:

1. 100 KTPY of capacity for RHA-based silica will be built in two 50 KTPY phases over the next 24 months, with completion scheduled for Q3 2027 (24 months from announcement). This portion of the project is budgeted at RMB 700 million ($98M). These are rubber grades, primarily for tires.

2. A 30 KTPY unit for the production of silica thickening agents will also be added, with completion scheduled for Q1 2027 (18 months from announcement). This portion of the project is budgeted at RMB 200 million ($28M). Silica thickening agents, or rheology agents, are used in products such as toothpaste, cosmetics, paints/coatings, and adhesives to alter the viscosity and flow characteristics of liquids, pastes, creams, and lotions. It is not clear from the announcement if this phase of the project is based on RHA or conventional technology.