In order to reduce its dependence on imported sugar, the Mauritanian government plans to build a sugar complex in Foum Gleita, in the Gorgol region. The complex will consist of a 10,000 ha sugar cane plantation, a sugar factory for the production of +/- 100.000t ICUMSA 45 white sugar, an energy production unit and an alcohol production unit.

The Société Mauritanienne des Dérivés du Sucre (COMASUD) has commissioned Sopex Consulting and its partners to carry out the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study and to work on the tender documents that will be used to select a company to develop a plant using Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) method. The study also aims to integrate the feed and fertilizer production units as by-products of the plant.

Mission steps:

Phase 1: Preliminary studies.

The consultant reviewed the feasibility study and collected any data deemed useful. In addition, the consultant conducted a feasibility study for feed and fertilizer production. During this phase, the consultant studied different technical options and presented them to the client in order to select the one to be studied in detail.

Phase 2: Design Engineering Study (FEED) and design of Tender Documents.

This phase consisted of a detailed study of the plant, taking into account the technical solution chosen by the client.

Phase 3: Additional studies.

This included the estimation of Capex, Opex, human resources assessment, full financial study, development of the implementation plan, risk analysis, environmental and social impact. Support was also provided in building the financial model and negotiating with financial institutions and commercial banks.

Phase 4: Assistance in bid evaluation and contract negotiation.

The consultant assisted the committee in the negotiations to select the best EPC offer and ensure the best contractual terms.