Description

Rock Phosphate is a chemical compounds containing phosphorus and oxygen. Rock phosphate is essential for the growth of plants and animals. The term Rock phosphate (or Phosphorite) is used to define any rock with high phosphorus content. The largest and least expensive source of phosphorus is obtained by mining and concentrating phosphate rock from the numerous phosphate deposits of the world. Some phosphate rock is used to make calcium phosphate nutritional supplements for animals. Pure phosphorus is used to make chemicals for use in industry. The most important use of phosphate rock is in the production of phosphate fertilizers for agriculture. Phosphorus is involved in numerous plant functions, but its most important role is helping plants capture the sun’s energy and begin the photosynthesis process. Phosphate mineral known as hydrogenation is important of bones and teeth part.

Rock phosphate in Egypt.

rock Phosphate is the most important mineral deposits in Egypt, it is in the form of a belt of phosphate deposits extends to about 750 km in length from the Red Sea on  the east to Dakhla Oasis on the west. The economic importance can be summarized in that exported abroad in large quantities. it is also part of the manufacture of chemical fertilizers of super phosphate type.

The phosphate sites that are of economic importance in Egypt in three main areas:

Nile Valley

One of the most important areas, where Rock phosphate regions in Mahameed and Sabaaia, which lies between Edfu and Qena cities.  Estimated Rock phosphate reserves in Mahameed area of about 200 million tons and up with ratio (fifth phosphorus oxide) to about 30%. Geological studies have resulted that reserves estimated at 1000 million tons around Mahameed areas.

Red Sea coast

Rock Phosphate occurs between ports of Safaga and el qussiar.  The most important areas exist Mount. Dawy, el-atshan and Hamrawein.  Estimated reserves of 200 to 250 million tons of Rock phosphate.

Western Desert

Abu Tartour plateau, between Dakhla Oasis and Kharga Oasis, represents the largest phosphate deposit in Egypt, where an estimated Rock Phosphate reserves of around 1,000 million tonnes.