Sasol Announces Final Investment Decision on World-Scale Ethane Cracker and Derivatives Complex in Louisiana

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa and LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana, October 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Sasol Limited (JSE: SOL; NYSE: SSL) announced the final approval of an US$8.1 billion ethane cracker and derivatives complex at its existing site in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

"Sasol's decision to move forward with this project is a defining moment in our company's history, and an important milestone in the execution of our growth strategy," said David Constable, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sasol Limited. "Once commissioned, this world-scale petrochemicals complex will roughly triple our chemical production capacity in the United States, enabling Sasol to further strengthen its position in a growing global chemicals market. The U.S. Gulf Coast's robust infrastructure for transporting and storing abundant, low-cost ethane was a key driver in our decision to invest in America."

At the heart of the project is an ethane cracker that will produce 1.5 million tons of ethylene annually, benefitting from significant economies of scale. The complex also includes six chemical manufacturing plants. Approximately 90 percent of the cracker's ethylene output will be converted into a diverse slate of commodity and high-margin specialty chemicals for markets in which Sasol has a strong position, underpinned by collaborative customer relationships.

"In spite of a largely volatile macroeconomic outlook, we are confident that we will deliver this project successfully, by drawing on our experience of executing world-scale fuel and chemical facilities, and enlisting the best employees and industry partners," said Constable. "The Sasol team and our contractors have strong track records in project management, engineering, fabrication and construction of similar large-scale petrochemical complexes, with deep expertise along the U.S. Gulf Coast."

Sasol has selected Fluor Technip Integrated, a joint venture of two world-class firms, as the primary engineering, procurement, and construction management contractor for this project. Sasol's project management team is also supported by WorleyParsons, who bring with them significant mega-project experience.

An additional US$800 million will be invested in infrastructure and utility improvements, as well as land acquisition, to establish the Lake Charles location as an integrated, multi-asset site that will enable growth for decades to come.

Sasol is well-advanced in raising the funds required for construction and will utilise a variety of international U.S. dollar-based sources. Site preparation is underway, and the company expects that the facility will achieve beneficial operation in 2018.

"The economic benefits of this project will extend to all of our shareholders, 67 percent of whom are located in South Africa, and will also enable us to pursue further growth opportunities in Southern Africa," said Constable. "In addition, this project will deliver significant benefits to the State of Louisiana and the United States. More specifically, it will enhance local investment and job creation in the surrounding communities, while strengthening downstream manufacturing and increasing exports."

Forward-looking statements: Sasol may, in this document, make certain statements that are not historical facts and relate to analyses and other information which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, volume growth, increases in market share, total shareholder return and cost reductions. Words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "seek", "will", "plan", "could", "may", "endeavour" and "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. You should understand that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed more fully in our most recent annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F filed on 29 September 2014 and in other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The list of factors discussed therein is not exhaustive; when relying on forward-looking statements to make investment decisions, you should carefully consider both these factors and other uncertainties and events. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Sasol:

Committed to excellence in all that we do, Sasol is an international integrated energy and chemical company that leverages the talent and expertise of our more than 33 000 people working in 37 countries. We develop and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of product streams, including liquid fuels, high-value chemicals and low-carbon electricity.

While remaining committed to our home-base of South Africa, Sasol is expanding internationally based on a unique value proposition.

Issued by:

In the United States:

Russell Johnson, Director, Public Affairs
Direct telephone +1-(281)588-3027
[email protected]

In South Africa:

Alex Anderson, Head | Group Media Relations
Direct telephone +27-(11)441-3295; Mobile +27-(0)71-600-9605
[email protected]

SOURCE Sasol Limited