Soda Ash, Brand Name : OEM, Packaging Type : White

Tanzania has large underground deposits of soda ash in the Engaruka Basin and at Lake Natron. The National Development Corporation (NDC) is developing soda ash facilities at both locations. 

Engaruka Basin

The NDC is building a soda ash extraction plant in the Engaruka Basin in Monduli District. 

The plant will pump sodium carbonate solution (brine) from aquifers to produce soda ash. 

The NDC has estimated that the Engaruka Basin has 4.7 billion cubic meters of brine. 

The NDC has demarcated project land and is seeking partners to develop the project. 

Lake Natron 

The NDC is developing soda ash facilities at Lake Natron in the northern region.

The project aims to extract about one million tonnes of soda ash per year.

The project is controversial because Lake Natron is a breeding ground for migratory birds, including the Lesser Flamingo.

Uses of soda ash

Soda ash is used to make glass, detergents, soaps, batteries, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. 

Soda ash is also used in petroleum refineries, metallurgical industries, pulp and paper industries, and water treatment.