Fertiglobe is considering an integrated phosphate fertilizer complex in Ain Sokhna, Egypt, with investments exceeding $1.5 bn and an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons (mmt), according to a Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources statement published on October 18.

The proposed complex would produce diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2031. The project remains at the preliminary planning stage, with feasibility studies underway.

Fertiglobe CEO Ahmed El-Hoshy discussed the project during a meeting with Minister of Petroleum Mineral Resources Karim Badawi.

Badawi directed the ministry’s mining sector and the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority to coordinate with Fertiglobe to identify available phosphate ore sources and assess the potential to secure long-term supplies.

He also called for further studies on the technology, energy requirements, and infrastructure needed for the project.

El-Hoshy outlined the preliminary proposal and said the company was completing its feasibility study with the help of consultants.

He identified reliable long-term phosphate ore supplies as a key requirement for assessing the project’s viability.

Separately, Badawi and El-Hoshy discussed the potential localization of AdBlue production. The urea-based solution is used in vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

El-Hoshy proposed producing the solution locally using domestically available urea, while Badawi called for technical and economic assessments to determine production requirements and potential applications before deciding on the next steps.

Egypt has been pursuing several projects to process phosphate ore domestically and produce higher-value products. In August, the petroleum ministry reviewed a portfolio of phosphate-based industrial projects, including developments targeting phosphate fertilizers and phosphoric acid, as part of its strategy to increase the economic value generated from the country’s mineral resources.