With $658 million in investments: First industrial complex for phosphoric acid production from phosphate ore in Abou Thourour

Cairo – Nahed Imam: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawi, and Dr. Hanan Magdy, Governor of New Valley, laid the foundation stone for the first industrial complex to produce phosphoric acid from Egyptian phosphate ore in the Abu Turur plateau, with investments of $658 million. This initiative aims to maximize the added value of Egypt’s mineral resources by transforming raw materials into high-yield economic products and industries.

The ceremony was attended by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate representing New Valley province, as well as senior officials from the Ministry, the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA), the New Valley Governorate, Egypt Phosphate Company, and Abu Turur Phosphoric Acid Company. Representatives from Moving Virtue and Genissus Mining, private sector investors in Egyptian phosphate value-added industries, were also present.

Minister Badawi emphasized that transforming EMRA into an economic entity, in accordance with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s directives, marks a pivotal breakthrough in the development of Egypt’s mining sector. It lays the foundation for a new phase aimed at increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy, attracting further investments, and establishing mining industries for raw materials.

He clarified that the shift to an economic entity is not merely a change in title, but reflects a transformation in philosophy and operational mechanisms through a more efficient and flexible system. The board of directors will include representatives from various relevant government entities, facilitating procedures, supporting investors, reducing investment risks, and fostering a more competitive environment for the growth of mining industries.

The Minister thanked the House of Representatives for its cooperation in passing the law converting the Authority, noting that this collaboration demonstrates the integration of state institutions in supporting necessary reforms for the mining sector. It sends a clear message to investors that the Egyptian state is working cohesively to provide an attractive investment climate and maximize the benefits of its natural resources.

He pointed out that the Abu Turur phosphoric acid complex represents one of the most important industrial projects for maximizing the added value of Egyptian phosphate ore. It embodies the state’s and the Ministry’s direction toward moving from exploiting raw materials in their primary form to establishing processing industries that produce materials with higher economic value, support exports, and generate foreign currency.

Badawi affirmed that the project represents a true success story, as the Ministry managed to overcome obstacles and challenges that had delayed its implementation for years, bringing it to the execution stage on the ground. This achievement was the result of coordination and integration between the Ministry, EMRA, and the project’s shareholders.

He added that mining industries constitute a key pillar for the development of New Valley province, given its rich mineral resources and ores. He noted that the Ministry is working in collaboration with the Governorate to prepare a joint vision for a mining map and existing industries over the next five years.

The Abu Turur complex, with investments totaling $658 million, aims to produce 250,000 tons annually of high-concentration commercial phosphoric acid in its first phase, a key raw material in the fertilizer industry. The project is being executed by Chinese companies CSCEC and ECEC using the latest technologies, with completion planned within 30 months. Its production will be exported via the port of Safaga to generate foreign currency, and it is expected to create more than 3,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.

For her part, Dr. Hanan Magdy, Governor of New Valley, stated that the establishment of the phosphoric acid complex represents a qualitative leap in the mining and industrial development of the province. It enhances the status of the Abu Turur area as a promising hub for industries based on mineral resources by maximizing the added value of phosphate ore and converting it into industrial products with high economic value.

The Governor expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources for its continuous interest in mining and industrial development projects in the province and for its efforts to overcome challenges and initiate the project’s implementation. She affirmed that the Governorate provides all necessary support and coordination to develop mining and industrial projects and maximize their developmental impact on the people of New Valley.