MARANG, June 14 – A momentous groundbreaking ceremony took place on 16th May, marking the commencement of the first and largest integrated project in Asia and Oceania for the production of cristobalite and ultra-purity industrial silica. With an impressive investment exceeding RM500 million, TRG Silica (Marang) Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned Malaysian company, is set to construct a state-of-the-art facility equipped with 7th generation equipment. The project also includes the development of a new private terminal known as Marang terminal. The primary objective of this groundbreaking project is to produce advanced silica minerals with unrivaled purity and minimal iron content, catering to the high-end glass industry’s growing demand.
In addition, this venture will mark the first instance in Asia and Oceania where the high-temperature polymorph of silica, known as cristobalite, will be developed. Notably, cristobalite possesses high abrasion resistance and serves as an intense white pigment. The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, the Sultan of Terengganu. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), led by Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), as well as officials from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
The project aligns with the objectives of spearheading local economic development and providing high-quality job opportunities for domestic stakeholders, particularly in Marang, Terengganu. YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Menteri Besar of Terengganu, expressed his hope that the investment would contribute to the economic growth of Terengganu, elevate the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and improve the standard of living for the local community, especially in rural areas. CEO Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman commended TRG Silica (Marang) Sdn. Bhd. for their innovative spirit and emphasized that the state-of-the-art facility and the development of Marang Terminal position Terengganu as a global powerhouse in the industrial minerals market.
This venture not only revolutionizes production capabilities but also creates exciting opportunities for the local workforce. Industry players are encouraged to leverage the availability of these materials to enhance and diversify their supply chains, particularly in high-end glass applications such as electronic display glass, smartphone glass, ultra-thin solar glass, semiconductors, and ophthalmic glass. Additionally, cristobalite finds extensive applications in engineered stone, coatings, polymers, dentistry, road marking, and other industrial sectors. Utilizing these resources can yield substantial benefits and enhance industry competitiveness.
The collaboration between TRG Silica (Marang) Sdn. Bhd. and other industry players will fuel the development of a robust supply chain and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing. The company, through its commitment to sustainability and responsible practices, aims to develop a sustainable domestic supply chain. With their “Decoding the Future of Sustainability in Mining and Mineral Processing” initiative, TRG Silica (Marang) Sdn. Bhd. seeks to foster economic growth and create high-quality job opportunities while minimizing environmental impact.
The demand for “Ultra Purity Silica” produced by TRG Silica (Marang) Sdn. Bhd. is driven by the industry’s need to manufacture “low-iron glass,” which offers exceptional brightness and clarity compared to conventional glass. Manufacturers across various sectors, particularly high-end glass applications, seek this high-quality silica due to its unparalleled purity and low iron content.
