Section: CRUSU Industry News

Three of the world's major phosphate producers used their second-quarter 2026 results to lay out how far a global sulphur squeeze is now cutting into their phosphate businesses.

Algeria's Sonatrach and the Algerian Fertilizers Company (AFC) on 12 August signed engineering, procurement and construction contracts with Italy's Saipem and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the first phase of the country's Integrated Phosphate Project (PPI).

Brazil's Federal Senate on 11 August approved the final text of the Profert bill (PL 699/2023), which will release up to BRL 10 billion ($1.85 billion) in tax-credit subsidies over five years to build new fertilizer plants or expand and modernise existing ones.

Germany's chemical industry association VCI has warned that continued low water on the Rhine and other inland waterways could force chemical companies to cut production, as Berlin publicly acknowledged the freight squeeze and put a relaxation of the Sunday lorry driving ban up for review.

EuroChem has reportedly suspended operations at its Lifosa phosphate fertilizer plant in Kėdainiai, Lithuania, on the back of high raw material sulphur costs, CRU reported on 10 August.

Worley says that it has been awarded an engineering services contract by United States Strategic Metals to support the development of a multi-metallic processing hub in Missouri, United States. This will include the development of a cobalt refinery and a black mass recycling process line.

Canada's Capstone Copper has approved a $45 million pyrite recovery project at its Mantoverde copper operation in Chile that will cut the mine's sulphuric acid consumption by around 90,000 t/y, the company said in its second-quarter results on 30 July.

India’s government has set out a package of measures to strengthen domestic fertilizer production, diversify raw material and import sources, and ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilizers despite global supply disruptions and price volatility.

TotalEnergies says that, along with partners ADNOC, CNPC and Eni, it has reached a final investment decision (FID) for the $6.2 billion Umm Shaif Gas Cap development in the Umm Shaif and Nasr offshore concession. ADNOC Offshore is the field operator.

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions is buying a 50% share in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I) as part of a second joint venture with OCP Nutricrops.