Phosphates and potash are key for fertilizers

Phosphates and potash are essential raw materials used in the production of agricultural fertilizers. These minerals provide phosphorus and potassium, two of the three nutrients found in NPK fertilizers, which are crucial for crop growth.

Africa’s phosphate industry has a historical base

In Africa, the phosphate industry benefits from a long-standing presence in several countries. However, the potash industry remains underdeveloped, presenting opportunities for new projects and investments.

U.S. funds phosphate project in Tunisia

On October 30, PhosCo Ltd, an Australian mining company, announced that the U.S. government had selected CrossBoundary to manage a program worth about 1.5 million USD. This initiative aims to support the development of PhosCo’s Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia.

Program seeks private investment and partnerships

The U.S. Department of State-funded program, spanning two years, tasks CrossBoundary with helping PhosCo attract up to 100 million USD in private capital. This includes identifying investors, securing long-term supply contracts, and forming partnerships with American suppliers of equipment and technology.

U.S. seeks to secure future phosphate supplies

The U.S. government aims to ensure access to future phosphate supplies through this initiative. It also seeks to position American investors and industrialists in the project, which plans a mine with an annual capacity of 1.5 million tons over 46 years.

Similar support for a potash project in Gabon

A similar approach is emerging for the Banio potash project in Gabon, led by Millennial Potash. In July 2025, the company received a 3 million USD grant from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to advance the project, particularly through a definitive feasibility study.

U.S. explores further financing for Gabon project

The DFC is also considering additional funding for the construction of the mine and the necessary infrastructure. The Banio project is expected to have an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons.

Gasaat and Banio are strategic for the U.S.

Both the Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia and the Banio potash project in Gabon have become strategic for the U.S. government. These resources are essential for producing agricultural fertilizers and are listed as critical minerals in the U.S. list, updated every two years.

U.S. highlights risks in fertilizer supply

The U.S. interest in these projects has grown due to recent disruptions in the fertilizer market. In June 2026, the White House declared an emergency over risks to the American supply of phosphate fertilizers, driven by conflicts and trade measures affecting imports.

U.S. dependence on foreign potash is high

For potash, the U.S. has a structural dependence on imports, with net imports covering 92% of its consumption in 2025. Canada was the largest supplier, accounting for 79% of U.S. imports during 2021–2024, followed by Russia and Israel.

U.S. aims to diversify its sources

The high concentration of potash supplies from a few countries has reinforced the U.S. interest in diversifying its sources. However, at this stage, no binding commitments have been made regarding investment or the purchase of future production from these projects.

Next steps will determine U.S. involvement

The next steps of the cooperation programs will determine whether the U.S. interest translates into actual investment or supply contracts. PhosCo notes that any such agreements would depend on due diligence, negotiations, and the approval of all involved parties.