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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-30917 of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. on Form S-3 and Registration
Statement No. 333-52795 of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. on Form S-8 of our
report dated December 9, 1999 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of
Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 1999.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
November 21, 2000



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