Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi has stressed the importance of maximising the added value of Egypt’s mineral resources through integrated industrial projects that strengthen domestic production, expand exports and attract high-value investments.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Fertiglobe Chief Executive Officer Ahmed El-Hoshy to discuss preliminary plans for establishing an integrated phosphate fertiliser complex in Ain Sokhna, with investments exceeding $1.5 billion.
The proposed complex is designed to produce 1.3 million tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser annually, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2031.
The project aims to strengthen integration between Egypt’s mining and manufacturing sectors by transforming raw phosphate into higher-value industrial products.
Minister Badawi called for the completion of technical and economic feasibility studies, including assessments of production technologies, energy requirements and the infrastructure needed to establish the complex.
He also directed coordination between Fertiglobe, the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA) and relevant mining sector stakeholders to identify available phosphate ore resources and assess the potential for securing long-term supplies.
For his part, the Fertiglobe CEO presented the project’s preliminary concept, noting that the company is finalising a feasibility study with specialist consultants.
He highlighted the importance of securing sustainable phosphate supplies and exploring integration between phosphoric acid production and finished fertiliser manufacturing, capitalising on Egypt’s ammonia supplies and existing industrial infrastructure.
The meeting also examined opportunities to accelerate the exchange of technical, geological and commercial data and advance discussions on phosphate ore supply agreements to determine the project’s economic viability and implementation requirements.
