Egypt plans 8 phosphate projects, including $650mn complex – minister

Egypt is developing eight industrial projects to add value to its phosphate resources, including a $650 million phosphoric acid complex in Abu Tartour, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said on Monday.

The first phase of the Abu Tartour complex will have an annual production capacity of 250,000 tons and is scheduled to start production in 2028, Badawi said in opening remarks at the Egypt Mining Forum.

Egypt ranked third globally in phosphate ore reserves and seventh in production in 2025, Badawi said. The government is seeking to expand processing and reduce its reliance on exports of raw mineral resources.

The planned projects include phosphate fertiliser facilities being developed with Egyptian and international investors, as well as projects to expand the exploitation of minerals and raw materials needed for the energy sector and future industries.

“Our target goes beyond increasing production to maximising value added,” Badawi said. The strategy aims to create jobs, boost exports and attract investment based on technology, expertise and knowledge, he said.

The government sees closer cooperation with investors, a stable investment environment, faster procedures, and improved access to geological data as key to turning Egypt’s mineral resources into viable economic projects.

The projects form part of a broader strategy to expand domestic processing and manufacturing around Egypt’s mineral resources rather than focusing mainly on extraction.

Badawi said Egypt aims to build a more integrated mining industry that can make a larger contribution to the economy.