Casale to supply technologies for India’s first commercial coal-to-ammonium nitrate complex

Project overview

The Lakhanpur (Odisha) complex is India’s first commercial-scale coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate facility and forms part of the National Coal Gasification Mission. The foundation stone ceremony on 20 June 2026, led by the President and Prime Minister, marked the start of the execution phase.

Technology and scope

Casale will supply key process technologies to convert synthesis gas into ammonia and downstream nitrates, supporting a fully integrated coal-to-ammonium nitrate value chain. Supplied units include an N-LOOP ammonia synthesis loop (920 MTD), DualPURE weak nitric acid plant (1,650 MTD), NitroCULTIVA ammonium nitrate plant (2,000 MTD) and an HDAN high-density ammonium nitrate prilling unit (400 MTD). Casale notes over 80 ammonia synthesis loop references worldwide and more than 120 nitric acid and ammonium nitrate references.

Scale and impact

With an estimated investment exceeding INR 25,000 crore, the complex will process about 1.3 million tonnes of domestic coal per year to produce around 0.66 million tonnes per year of technical-grade ammonium nitrate. The project is projected to meet nearly 35% of India’s ammonium nitrate demand by 2030, reducing import dependence and strengthening supply security for mining and infrastructure sectors.

Timeline and partners

The project is developed for Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture promoted by Coal India Limited, BHEL and GAIL, on an L‑EPC basis with Larsen & Toubro. Targeted commissioning is September 2029. Casale says it will contribute proprietary technologies and process integration expertise to support delivery of the complex; its CEO commented that the project demonstrates how integrated process technologies can transform domestic resources into strategic industrial products.