Processing
The surface plant converts trona ore to soda ash in a multi-step purification process. First, the trona ore is precision crushed and screened to prepare it for processing.
The crushed trona is heated in a kiln to drive off unwanted gases. This heating process transforms the ore to crude sodium carbonate. Water is added to dissolve the crude sodium carbonate and the resulting solution is filtered to remove impurities.
Water is then evaporated from the purified solution to form soda ash crystal slurry. Any remaining water in the slurry is separated from the soda ash crystals in a centrifuge. The soda ash crystals are then sent to rotary driers.
After screening, the finished soda ash is stockpiled in storage bins before it is loaded for shipment via truck and railcars.