Phosphate is locally abundant in the form of sand-sized detrital grains. These were derived from Cretaceous and Tertiary phosphatic rocks cropping out on the shelf, by erosion during the Pleistocene. The sand-sized phosphatic detritus is concentrated in relict placer-type deposits near parent-rock outcrops.
Quick Answer, what country has 75% of the phosphorus rock? Morocco claims 75 percent of the planet’s known reserves of phosphorus, an essential ingredient in commercial fertilizer. That gives the North African country a near-monopoly on the multibillion-dollar global trade of the mineral mined from phosphate rock, with clients on every continent.
Additionally, what country produces the most phosphorus? While nearly 30 countries produce phosphate rock, China, the United States and Morocco are the largest producers, together accounting for two-thirds of world production. Morocco alone accounts for more than 30 percent of global exports.
Likewise, how much money does Morocco make from phosphate? With 72% of global reserves, Morocco is the world’s largest phosphates exporter and last year its state-owned phosphates company OCP reported revenue of 56.1 billion dirhams.
Beside above, where is phosphate found in Morocco? Western Sahara has been occupied by Morocco, just north along the coast, since 1975. If you include this disputed region, Morocco holds more than 72 percent of all phosphate-rock reserves in the world, according to the most recent United States Geological Survey study.
What is the leading African producer of phosphate?
Most of the world’s phosphate reserves are in Morocco, with the country accounting for approximately 70% of the total reserves or 50 billion tons. It is also the second-largest producer with most of the production coming from Bou Craa mine in Western Sahara. Morocco remains the largest exporter of phosphate.
Is there phosphate in Morocco?
As of 2020, there were reserves of approximately 50 billion metric tons of phosphate rock in Morocco and Western Sahara, making it the country with the largest reserves of this commodity in the world.
Where is phosphorus found countries?
Reserves of phosphate rock are found in several countries, but the largest commercially recoverable reserves are located in just three – China, the United States and Morocco/Western Sahara.
Where do we get our phosphorus?
Phosphorus can be found in foods (organic phosphorus) and is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products. Phosphorus found in animal foods is absorbed more easily than phosphorus found in plant foods.
Where does the phosphorus come from?
Today most of our phosphorus comes from phosphate rock that is mined around the world, and then converted to phosphoric acid. Fifty million tonnes are made every year and it has multiple uses. It is used to make fertilisers, animal feeds, rust removers, corrosion preventers, and even dishwasher tablets.
Where does much of the phosphorus we mine end up and what problems does this present?
It is common for farmers to apply phosphorus in excess to make it more available to crop plants, although this also increases the risk of most phosphorus being lost via run-off, leaching or soil erosion, finally ending up in lakes, rivers and oceans.
How much phosphorus is left in the world?
In 2021, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that economically extractable phosphate rock reserves worldwide are 71 billion tons, while world mining production in 2020 was 223 million tons. Assuming zero growth, the reserves would thus last for 260 years.
Where is phosphate found in food?
Phosphorus is found naturally in dairy, meat, and plants. It’s needed to help cells work properly. Phosphates enhance flavor and moistness in deli meats, frozen food, cereals, cheese, and baked goods, as well as in sodas and prepared iced tea mixes.
What is the main source of income in Morocco?
The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphate minerals, and tourism. Sales of fish and seafood are important as well. Industry and mining contribute about one-third of the annual GDP.
Can we live without phosphorus?
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all forms of life. It is a key element in our DNA and all living organisms require daily phosphorus intake to produce energy. It cannot be replaced and there is no synthetic substitute: without phosphorus, there is no life.