PhosCo Limited has reached a major milestone as it secured key approval for its Sekarna phosphate project in Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate Basin, paving the way for what could become a globally significant source of phosphate. The Consultative Committee of Mines in Tunisia has given its official nod to the exploration permit, marking a critical step for PhosCo as it aims to harness the vast phosphate reserves in the region. This approval covers a sprawling area of 128 square kilometers with rich phosphate outcrops that have the potential to position Tunisia as a global leader in phosphate production. However, the final go-ahead still hinges on the approval of the Ministry of National Defence.

This latest approval puts PhosCo on the brink of transforming Tunisia’s phosphate industry. PhosCo’s Managing Director, Tarecq Aldaoud, described the approval as a major leap forward, noting that this was the first time a phosphate project entirely owned by a foreign entity had gained such significant approval in Tunisia. Aldaoud expressed the company’s eagerness to begin operations as soon as the permit is formally published in the official gazette, JORT. PhosCo plans to kickstart exploration at the Sekarna phosphate site, a move that will ultimately contribute to Tunisia’s prominence in the global phosphate market while benefiting PhosCo’s shareholders.

PhosCo’s Sekarna project has been strategically developed as part of its larger plan to create a phosphate hub in Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate Basin. This project is expected to align with the company’s neighboring Gassaat project, which boasts a considerable resource of 146.4 million tonnes of phosphate with an average grade of 20.6% P2O5. Experts believe that Sekarna’s geology mirrors Gassaat’s, and the phosphate-bearing strata exposed at Sekarna are likely to yield high concentrations of this essential mineral, used widely in fertilizers.

The Sekarna phosphate project is not new to the scientific community. Phosphate mineralization in the area was first identified over a century ago, in 1901, and has been extensively studied since then. A notable study from 1999 by researcher A. Zaier established the tectonic controls that shaped the phosphate deposits in the Northern Basin. Recent observations by PhosCo’s exploration team have also confirmed the existence of substantial phosphate outcrops in the region. Historical data points to phosphate grades as high as 27.8% P2O5, reinforcing the project’s potential for large-scale phosphate extraction.

The approval of the Sekarna permit is also a significant milestone for Tunisia’s phosphate industry, especially given the critical role phosphate plays in global agriculture and food security. Tunisia’s phosphate deposits have long been recognized for their quality, and PhosCo’s exploration in the region is expected to reveal even more untapped resources. By unlocking these deposits, PhosCo aims to contribute to a global market that increasingly relies on phosphate-based fertilizers to meet the growing demand for food production.

Expert Opinion: Dr. Aymen Arfaoui, an experienced geologist and a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, emphasized that the Sekarna phosphate project represents a major opportunity for both PhosCo and Tunisia. He noted that the geology of Sekarna is highly similar to that of Gassaat, which suggests substantial reserves of phosphate. Arfaoui further explained that the project’s success could significantly boost Tunisia’s economy while securing PhosCo’s position as a leader in phosphate production.

PhosCo’s development of the Sekarna phosphate project aligns with its broader strategy to assemble a district-scale phosphate portfolio in Tunisia. Alongside Sekarna, the company has advanced its Gassaat project and is awaiting further approvals for its Amoud exploration, which could also yield significant phosphate resources. By developing multiple sites within Tunisia’s phosphate basin, PhosCo aims to establish a major fertilizer hub capable of supplying the growing global demand.

PhosCo’s next steps include finalizing the permit process and initiating detailed geological surveys and drilling operations at Sekarna. These operations will provide further data to confirm the size and grade of the phosphate reserves and help PhosCo determine the economic viability of full-scale extraction. Furthermore, the company is exploring the possibility of extracting base metals like zinc and lead, which were found alongside phosphate deposits at Sekarna. If viable, this could create an additional revenue stream and enhance the project’s overall value.

The Sekarna phosphate project is expected to not only boost PhosCo’s financial standing but also play a crucial role in bolstering Tunisia’s position within the global phosphate market. With its commitment to responsible exploration and its focus on sustainable development, PhosCo is positioning itself at the forefront of Tunisia’s phosphate industry.

  Aymen Arfaoui, Gassaat, Northern Phosphate Basin, PhosCo Limited, Sekarna, Tarecq Aldaoud, Tunisia