VASMO to Build Chemical Metal Compound Plant in Thailand

New facility to produce valuable metal compounds from unused oil refining and petrochemical catalysts in Rayong.

VASMO Co., Ltd. (VASMO) has leased 60 rai of land in the Asia Industrial Estate, Rayong, from GC Estate Co., Ltd. (GC Estate), a subsidiary of GC Group specialising in utilities and industrial land services. The leased area will host Thailand’s first plant dedicated to manufacturing chemical metal compounds and alloys from decommissioned and unused catalysts in the oil refining and petrochemical industries.

Mrs. Sunutta Sukthai, Managing Director of GC Estate, and Mr. Sittichai Talapnak, Chairman of VASMO, signed the agreement at the GC Estate office in Rayong. Mr. Pornsak Mongkoltrirat, Chief Operating Officer of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, attended the ceremony, along with VASMO’s directors, including Ms. Nadkrita Kulsirithanakorn and Mr. Dechrid Talabnark. Shareholders Mr. Shen Hanyu, Mr. Shen Xian Hua, and Mr. Yin Wei were also present.

Advanced Metal Extraction for Key Industries

VASMO Chairman Mr. Sittichai explained that the new plant will extract metals such as molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, and vanadium from catalysts. These metals will be used to produce raw materials for industries like metal oxide and alloy production, steel manufacturing, and EV battery development. Additionally, these materials can be processed into precursors for oil refining and petrochemical catalysts, reducing metal imports and boosting export potential.

Focus on Sustainability and Circular Economy

The project supports circular economy principles shared by VASMO and GC Group. It aims to enhance resource reuse and improve waste and energy management through modern eco-friendly technologies. Scheduled to start operations in 2026, the plant is expected to contribute to Thailand’s economic and environmental goals.