Chemistry Class with Molycorp and Eastman

Normally, most people rarely consider the entire process that goes into manufacturing products they use in their day-to-day lives. Yesterday’s visit to two American chemical facilities opened my eyes to the captivating and complex steps within this manufacturing process. I joined Ambassador Levine and embassy staff in touring Molycorp and Eastman factories located in the cities of Sillamäe and Kohtla-Järve.

We first visited Molycorp, where we donned lab coats and goggles as Managing Director David O’Brock led us around the facility. This Molycorp plant is one of Europe’s largest producers of rare earth metals and rare metals. These are fundamental in creating specific parts within items used in everyday life, from cell phones to magnets. Molycorp is the largest company in Sillamäe, and has played a vital role in not only rebuilding the town, but in helping to sustain it for the future.

In our tour of Molycorp’s facilities, we witnessed how rare earth metals were both separated and then manufactured. While the facility and machinery lacked aesthetical appeal, it made up for this by being absolutely fascinating. For me, the best piece of machinery we saw was a giant electron gun. We also toured Molycorp’s pristine lab, where all the glass beakers and bottles were very reminiscent of a chemistry class. David was an amazing tour guide, and even gave us CDs of his band following the tour’s end!

Our next stop was Eastman. With company headquarters in Kingsport, Tennessee, the facility in Kohtla-Järve is one of several worldwide. This plant’s production is centered on benzoic acid. It’s a key component in many normal parts of life, one example being food preservation. Site Manager Gadylsha Gismatullin gave us an informative presentation about the company and facility, and then it was onto the tour! The biggest surprise of the tour was seeing how Eastman still uses a bit of technology installed during Soviet times. In one particular room, older, massive machines with a complicated system of buttons, levers, and graphs surrounded a group of workers sitting at modern computers.

Visiting these chemical facilities and witnessing how American companies operate globally with local partners was such a treat. Prior to these visits, I found chemistry boring, but these tours taught me otherwise. Best of luck to Molycorp and Eastman in the future!

Post by RSO Intern Genevieve Shapiro