Egyptian officials laid the foundation stone on Wednesday for a $658m industrial complex to produce phosphoric acid from phosphate ore at the Abu Tartour plateau in the New Valley Governorate.
The facility aims to produce 250,000 tonnes annually of highly concentrated commercial phosphoric acid, a key fertiliser component, targeting export via the Red Sea port of Safaga to generate foreign currency. Executed by Chinese companies CSCEC and ECEC, the project is scheduled for completion within 30 months and is expected to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stated the complex reflects a strategic shift from extracting raw materials to establishing processing industries that generate higher economic value. Badawi noted the project had overcome years of delays prior to reaching the implementation phase.
Addressing broader sector reforms, Badawi highlighted the recent legislative transformation of the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority into an economic authority. He stated this restructuring, which includes a board with cross-government representation, will ease procedures, lower investment risks, and foster a more competitive environment for mining industries.
New Valley Governor Hanan Magdy said the phosphoric acid project enhances the region’s position as a base for mining-reliant industries. She noted that the governorate and the petroleum ministry are jointly drafting a five-year vision for the region’s mining map.
During the site visit, Egyptian private sector companies presented medium-term plans for additional integrated facilities. Moving Fert Chairman Sherif Zeid outlined a proposed complex in Abu Tartour for phosphate extraction, fertiliser production, and the exploitation of rare earth elements. Genisus Mining presented plans for an exploration and processing complex in the Dakhla area to produce fertilisers and phosphoric acid.
The officials’ tour included an inspection of Crusher No. 8, operated by Misr Phosphate Company, which holds a 25 percent stake in the new Abu Tartour project. Misr Phosphate Chairperson Nasser Shaheen stated the company is Egypt’s largest phosphate producer, with an annual capacity of 7m tonnes from sites in Abu Tartour, Sibaiya, and the Red Sea.
Shaheen added that Misr Phosphate is also developing a 600,000-tonne-per-year phosphate fertiliser complex in Ain Sokhna in partnership with global firm Indorama.
