Phosphates are materials naturally obtained from raw phosphorus, which is found in many phosphate minerals. Phosphates are rocks or ore containing phosphate ions in mineralogy as well as in geology. The global phosphate production is majorly obtained from 14 key producing countries. Out of which Morocco is one of the key producer of the phosphate. Inorganic phosphates are excavated to obtain phosphorus for agriculture and industries. Plants and animals cannot survive without phosphorus. It is an essential element in ATP, which is an energy-bearing compound that drives the biochemical processes. Phosphorus comprises of the molecular like composition of DNA, phospholipids, RNA, and others that are necessary for the functioning of cellular membranes. Nitrogen and another essential element can be obtained from the atmosphere, hence it is easily available. Phosphorus, present in the soil as phosphate mineral, is a non-renewable source. Production of phosphate fertilizers generally involves the application of manure, bone meal, human excreta, or guano to fields which acts as a crop nutrition. Organic substances are added to the soil to improve crop growth, and for increased production. In the fertilizer production industry, due to relatively low analysis and high shipping and handling charges, general chemical phosphate are been widely replaced by higher analysis, more economical sources such as concentrated superphosphate and ammonium phosphates. Phosphorus is also a part of phytin, a major storage form of P in seeds. Approximately 50 percent of the total P in legume seeds and 60% to 70% in cereal grains are stored as phytin or its related compounds. An inadequate supply of P can reduce seed number, seed size, and viability of the seeds. Generally, inadequate P slows the processes of carbohydrate digestion, while carbohydrate production in photosynthesis continues. This results in development of carbohydrates and the dark green leaf color. In some plants, P-deficient leaves create a purple color; tomatoes and corn are the two best examples of it. Since P is readily mobilized in the plants whenever a deficiency occurs, the P is translocated from older tissues to active meristematic tissues, resulting in foliar deficiency symptoms appearing on the older portion of the plant. However, these symptoms of P deficiency are rarely observed in the field, other than loss of yield. Other effects of P deficiency on plant growth include delayed maturity, reduced quality of forage, vegetable, fruit, and grain crops, and decreased disease resistance.
Global phosphate rock demand is increasing due to the rising world population and increasing food demand. United Nations (UN) has anticipated that by the end of 2050 the global population will reach over 9 billion people. Moreover, because of continuing urbanization and economic growth, more people will move to cities and enjoy high incomes. To feed this larger, more urban and richer population, food production worldwide needs to be increased by 70% in the coming years. This increasing food production will boost the demand for energy and water and phosphate fertilizer, making phosphate rock an increasingly scarce resource of minerals.
Phosphates are primarily segmented on the basis of types and applications. On the basis of types, phosphates are subdivided into phosphoric acid, dihydrogen phosphate and hydrogen phosphate. Out of which phosphoric acid is expected to have the largest market share in the forecast region. Phosphoric acid is widely used as food additives. Food-grade phosphoric acid is added to acidify foods and beverages like various colas and jams, which gives a tangy or sour taste. Dihydrogen phosphate and hydrogen phosphate are used in the chemical industries to manufacture other chemicals. On the basis of application, phosphate is required in mining, industrial processing, fertilizers production and agriculture industry. Amongst all of the applications, production of fertilizers requires more phosphates. Due to which it is expected to dominate the market in the forecast period.
On the basis of geography market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world. In North America, U.S. is the leading producer; it produces about 33 to 34 percent of total production worldwide, followed by China, Morocco and Russia. Total capacity of the phosphate rock industry in the U.S. is 56 million tons, with mines currently operating at about 90 percent of the capacity. Phosphate rock production in the U.S. surpasses domestic needs, and the excess is exported to international markets.
Some of the major key players in phosphate production are Agrifos Fertilizer LLC, Aurora – Mining, Australian-phosphate, Northern miner, OCP corporate, The Mosaic Company. These companies are actively extracting phosphorus from mines and are trying to find new resources. Recently, in May 2016 Fertoz mines announced that they have extracted an additional 730 tones successfully from a farm in Alberta, bringing to the total to 1,720 tones. They also announced that they are trying to find new phosphate rocks for mining and are currently testing Fertoz certified organic input rock phosphate for the long term sales contracts.
