Sulfur in Saudi Arabia
Sulfur in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is available in two main forms: liquid sulfur, a byproduct of petroleum refining, and natural sulfur, found combined with other minerals.
This nonmetallic element is easily recognized in its natural state by its bright yellow color. It commonly appears as fine granules or lumpy masses and is a soft, lightweight substance that is insoluble in water and most acids.
Naturally occurring sulfur is often found near volcanic vents and hot springs. It is frequently combined with other elements, forming compounds such as sulfates and sulfides. Significant and economically viable sulfur deposits are also located in sedimentary rocks, particularly those containing gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone.
Production of molten sulfur in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco produces sulfur as a byproduct of its petroleum extraction and refining operations, supplying it in molten form for use across various industries. Saudi Aramco’s sulfur output reaches thousands of t daily. On February 4, 2014, Aramco signed an agreement with Ma'aden to supply molten sulfur to the Ma'aden Phosphate Complex located in Wa’ad Al Shamal Industrial City. The agreement covers an annual capacity of 1.78 million t, with the sulfur used in producing phosphoric and sulfuric acids.
In May 2019, Aramco launched the "Sulfur Railcar Loading Facilities" project in collaboration with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and Ma’aden. The project comprises two facilities for transporting and transporting sulfur from the Wasit and Al-Berri gas plants. It includes a network of secondary rail lines, sorting tracks, loading platforms, and molten sulfur stations. Additionally, a twenty-one-km thermal pipeline was installed to transfer molten sulfur from the Khursaniyah Gas Plant to the Wasit Gas Plant.
The project aims to transport teen thousand t of molten sulfur daily from Khursaniyah, Wasit, and Al-Berri gas plants to Ma’aden facilities in Wa’ad Al Shamal Industrial City near Turaif and Ras Al-Khair Industrial City northeast of Al-Jubail. Of the total, 5,400 t per day are transported to Wa’ad Al Shamal City, while 4,600 t are allocated to Ma’aden fertilizer facilities in Ras Al-Khair. This safe molten sulfur transport project, utilizing specialized sulfur separator trucks, replaces older tanker methods and minimizes environmental impact.
In April 2024, Saudi Aramco awarded USD7.7 billion in engineering, procurement, and construction contracts for a major expansion of its affiliated Fadhili Gas Plant in the Eastern Province. Scheduled for completion by November 2027, the expansion is set to increase sulfur production by approximately 2,300 t per day.
Sites of sulfur reserves in Saudi Arabia
Sulfur in Saudi Arabia is present in liquid form as a byproduct of petroleum refining and in its natural state, combined with minerals like gypsum and anhydrite, particularly in Wadi Kabrit near the Gulf of Aqaba. Other notable occurrences include Al-Bad' Governorate, affiliated with Tabuk Province, northwest of Saudi Arabia, and Magna City in Tabuk Province, where it is associated with coastal sedimentary rock formations. Additionally, sulfur deposits are located at Umm Arakah site west of Al-Quwaiyah Governorate, affiliated with Riyadh Province, within the Paleozoic rock layers. It is also extracted from massive pyrite deposits in Wadi Wasat, Najran Province.
Uses of sulfur across industries
Sulfur is used in many industries, such as the manufacture of sulfuric acid, soap, industrial detergents, and car tires. It is also used in the manufacture of paper, some dyes, disinfectants, and pesticides, in addition to fireworks.