The Bromine Compounds company (Tirkovot Brom) has won the Negev Environmental Award for 2009, for its efforts to stem pollution and protect the environment in the Negev. The prize was awarded at Ben Gurion University by Professor Rivka Carmi, president of the University, and retired district Judge Gilad Giladi. This is the second year the prize was awarded.
The factory, owned by Israel Chemicals, was founded in 1978 in Ramat Hovav, and its products are primarily used for agriculture and industry. This is the largest factory in Ramat Hovav, and the world's leading manufacturers of bromine. It produces one-third of the methyl bromide in the world. In the past, the factory has absorbed much criticism as one of the worst polluters in the region, but Israel Chemicals CEO Nissim Adar, accepting the prize, said that the company has invested a great deal of work in ensuring that its operations are within or better than government environmental standards.