Karatau expansion onstream next year

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) says that the Ministry of Energy has approved the allocation of feedstock for its fourth phosphate project. This project aims to produce approximately 1.1 million t/a of ammonia and increase the production of phosphate and specialty fertilizers by about 2.5 million t/a, raising the company’s total production capacity to nearly 12 million t/a. This will further solidify Ma’aden’s position as one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate fertilizers, according to a company statement. Ma’aden will now commence engineering studies and obtain the necessary approvals.

Syria restarted a phosphate production site in Homs province after a decade-long shutdown, according to local media reports 25 November. The washing and drying facility is part of Syria’s Al-Sharqiya mine. The Syrian government has indicated that it plans to increase its presence in global phosphates market as part of efforts to support the country's economy.

Syria’s Geological and Mineral Resources Authority has signed an agreement with Teryaq, a subsidiary of Serbia’s Exlixir Group, aimed at exporting 1.5 million t/a of phosphate by the end of 2026. The agreement marks a significant step in Syria’s efforts to expand international partnerships and optimise its mineral resources for economic gain. Elixir Group owns the largest phosphoric acid plant in Europe and operates three fertilizer plants in Serbia.