Fosforrika

Fosforrika, or phosphate rock, is a sedimentary rock that serves as the primary source of phosphorus for agriculture and various industrial uses. It consists mainly of phosphate minerals such as fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, and carbonate-apatite, and includes impurities like calcium carbonate, silica, clays, and fluorides. Phosphorus content is commonly expressed as P2O5 and can vary widely, with ore grades typically ranging from about 15% to over 40% P2O5.

Geology and occurrence: Phosphate rocks form in marine sedimentary environments where phosphate minerals become concentrated through biological and chemical processes. Major producers include Morocco (and the adjacent Western Sahara region), China, Algeria, Russia, the United States, and Jordan. Global reserves are concentrated in a few regions, which has implications for market dynamics and supply stability.

Processing and production: After mining, ore is crushed and beneficiated to increase P2O5 content and reduce impurities. Processing routes include washing and flotation to produce higher-grade concentrates. For fertilizer production, most phosphates are converted to phosphoric acid via a wet process using sulfuric acid, yielding phosphoric acid and phosphogypsum as a byproduct. The phosphoric acid is further used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP). Ground phosphate rock can also be used directly as a fertilizer, particularly in acidic soils or with coating technologies.

Uses and classification: The principal use of fosforrika is as a phosphorus source for fertilizers. It is also used in animal feeds and various chemical processes. Ore quality is judged by P2O5 content and the level of impurities such as SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and CaO.

Environmental and economic aspects: Mining and processing can impact landscapes, produce waste phosphogypsum, and involve energy-intensive operations. The geographic concentration of resources affects market prices and supply security, making phosphorus a critical and sometimes politically sensitive commodity.