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CHATHAM CONFIRMS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN ITS MCP PROJECT

Operational Update3 May 2023CRPIndustrials

NEWS RELEASE 23-10 May 3, 2023


CHATHAM CONFIRMS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN

ITS MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE PROJECT


WELLINGTON New Zealand – Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited, “CRP” or “the Company”

(TSXV: “NZP”, NZX: “CRP” FSE “3GRE”) wishes to announce that our wholly-owned Australian

subsidiary, Korella MCP Pty Ltd., has taken a significant first step in its march to become the sole

Australian producer of monocalcium phosphate (MCP).


The first step to produce MCP is to produce the precursor weak phosphoric acid (WPA) which

has just been successfully accomplished in bench scale tests at Monash University.


Background


Since early 2021, plans have been progressed by CRP to enable production of 30,000 tonnes per

annum (tpa) of MCP to meet the needs of primarily the cattle industry of Northern Australia.


The severe phosphorus deficiencies in North Australian range land means that for cattle

production in this extensive region supplemental feeding of phosphorus is an essential part of

cattle raising and management.


MCP is a soluble and palatable form of phosphorus readily taken up by all farmed animals to

build healthy bones. MCP, presently 100% imported, is an essential part of all cattle lick blocks

and cattle dry lick. There are some 14 major lick block manufacturers in Queensland and NSW

serving the cattle industry in the North.


MCP is also the preferred phosphorus supplement for pigs and poultry.


With Australia importing all of its animal feed grade phosphorus supplements of around 50,000

tpa, the development of a Cloncurry based manufacturing facility to produce 30,000 tpa will

deliver a reliable quality product into a resilient supply chain.


The inputs for production of MCP of phosphate, limestone and sulphuric acid will, apart from

sulphuric acid, be sourced from our Korella North mine. However, sulphuric acid will be

manufactured on-site utilising prilled sulphur imported from Canada.


Alternative Strategy


Although Korella MCP has already worked with Belgium phosphate technology company

Prayon, an alternative strategy has been pursued to utilise existing technology in Australia to

develop MCP production capability.


As part of this strategy CRP commissioned Monash University to work on this project.


Bench scale tests have commenced and the first step in this three-stage process has been the

successful production of weak phosphoric acid (WPA).

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The second step is for the WPA to be partially neutralised using slaked lime to produce soluble

monohydrated MCP. In the third step the soluble monohydrated MCP is then heated at low

temperature in acidic conditions to evaporate the water to crystallize the MCP.


Negotiations are underway with Monash University to use their Pilot Plant to undertake the full

range of processes required to manufacture MCP.


Korella MCP will be produced to meet the highest international quality and consistency

standards which will enable CRP to also supply overseas markets.


Project Logistics and Funding


The Cloncurry site for the manufacturing facility has been selected and preparation of a

Development Application to Cloncurry Shire Council is underway.


At the same time, after an initial approach to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund,

further discussions are expected to have the MCP project assessed for possible funding under

the scheme as the development of an MCP plant in Australia is of national importance.

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Executive Director, Colin Randall will present a paper entitled “The Top End Cattle Industry is

dependent on MCP” to the annual Developing Northern Australia Conference being held in

Darwin from 24-26 July 2023 in Darwin.


Meanwhile approaches have been made to both European and Malaysian based MCP producers

to become involved in the project.


Korella MCP Pty Ltd plans to be the reliable and resilient supplier of choice for Australian

consumers of quality MCP.


For further information please contact:


Chris Castle

President and Chief Executive Officer

Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited

64 21 55 81 85

chris@widespread.co.nz or chris@crpl.co.nz



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historical facts are "forward looking statements". Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous

assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in

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the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements

expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.


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