Metal snips Tenneco expanding soda ash operation

A joint venture will be formed between Tenneco Minerals and Asahi Glass Co. of Japan to acquire Tenneco’s Green River soda ash facility in Wyoming and expand annual production by 600,000 tons, or 48%. Tenneco will retain an 80% interest in the venture. The expansion will boost output to 1.85 million tons per year. The soda ash is made from trona ore mined at the Wyoming site, where reserves are reported to be sufficient for more than 100 years.

Soda ash is used to make container and flat glass, soap and detergents, fiberglass, chemicals and other products.