Kristen Moran reports that while China and Morocco continue to be the largest producers of phosphate worldwide, the U.S. is still the third-largest phosphate-producing country, putting out 27.1 million tonnes (Mt) in 2014. Meanwhile, Canada did not make the cut in terms of top phosphate-producing countries, with no recorded production in 2014. However, there are a couple of projects making progress in the country, and overall, Canada holds 76 Mt in reserves.
Here is a look at phosphate producers in North America, as well as new mines expected to come online in both Canada and the U.S. in the near future. Led by Minnesota-based Mosaic, the largest phosphate producer in the world, the U.S. has a strong history of phosphate production and refinement. Mosaic has various operations in Florida and Louisiana, and the company produced a total of 2.4 Mt in 2014.
The U.S. is the third-biggest phosphate fertilizer consumer in the world, and American projects have been able to supply most domestic demand. The largest U.S. phosphate reserves and production occur in Florida, North Carolina, Idaho and Utah. Florida and North Carolina accounted for approximately 80% of total U.S. output in 2014, with the remainder coming from Utah and Idaho.
Canada Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is the next-largest producer in the U.S., with phosphate operations based in North Carolina and Florida.
In 2014, the Aurora phosphate rock operation in North Carolina produced 4.35 Mt at 25.9% P2O5, while White Springs in Florida had total output of 2 Mt at 29.9% P2O5. With relatively limited economic phosphate resources, Canada plays a much smaller role in North American and global phosphate extraction and production. That being said, a couple of notable projects can be found there. PhosCan Chemical is currently developing its 20,600-acre Martison phosphate project. The project has a measured and indicated mineral resource of 62.2 Mt grading 23.6% P2O5 and 0.3% niobium. for Australia.
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