The Argentinean consortium developing the Profertil ammonia/urea complex at Bahia Blanca expect to commence production as planned in mid-2000. The project is a joint venture between YPF/Repsol, the Argentinean/Spanish energy group, and Agrium of Canada. By the end of October, the 1.1 million t/a granular urea plant was 75% complete, and commissioning is scheduled to begin in March 2000. The project will cost between $650--680 million, and a consortium of three banks -- Chase Manhattan, Societe Generale, and Medlocredito Centrale -- have agreed to support the project. While final approval is awaited of the project finance, Profertil is maintaining operations through ...