Phosphate fertilizers
Rock Phosphate / Apatite / Phosphorite — 28–32% P2O5 Bulk Ore
FOB Black Sea / MENA · CFR/CIF worldwide on request
Key parameters
Full specification
| Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) | 28–32% (dry basis) |
| Calcium oxide (CaO) | 45% max |
| Moisture | 5% max |
| Particle size | 0–10 mm, 90% min on sieve |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 40 ppm max |
| Fluorine (F) | 3.5% max (typical sedimentary ore) |
| Iron oxide (Fe2O3) | 2.0% max |
| Silica (SiO2) | 10% max |
| Material type | Sedimentary phosphorite / apatite |
| HS code | 2510.10 |
Full product details
Product overview
Rock phosphate — also traded as apatite concentrate or phosphorite — is the upstream feedstock for the global phosphorus chain. Wet-process phosphoric acid plants consume crushed ore in sulfuric acid attack circuits; the resulting acid feeds MAP, DAP and TSP granulation. On acidic soils below pH 5.5, the same ore can be applied directly, releasing phosphate slowly over several growing seasons.
Our export grade carries 28–32% P2O5 on a dry basis with cadmium capped at 40 ppm, meeting the trace-metal limits that EU and several Asian fertilizer regulations impose on finished products. Particle size 0–10 mm suits both acid-plant grinding circuits and bulk spreading on permanent pasture. Calcium oxide content up to 45% reflects the natural carbonate gangue typical of North African and Middle Eastern sedimentary deposits.
Typical buyers include integrated fertilizer producers securing annual ore supply for phosphoric acid units, trading houses building vessel parcels for Indian and Brazilian acid plants, and agricultural distributors supplying direct-application rock to livestock and plantation markets. HS code 2510.10.
Loading ports & logistics
Phosphate rock loads in gearless or geared bulk carriers at rates of 10,000–20,000 MT per day at major export terminals in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and the Middle East. Moisture below 5% is critical — wet cargo can liquefy under vessel motion and trigger IMSBC Code compliance issues at discharge.
Minimum parcel size is 25,000 MT for FOB vessel contracts; smaller lots may be arranged via transhipment hubs. CFR and CIF quotations add ocean freight and marine insurance to the FOB rock price. We nominate handysize to panamax tonnage aligned with draft limits at your phosphoric acid plant jetty or bulk-handling berth. Contract lead time is 10–20 days from payment instrument confirmation to first day of laycan.
Grinding to finer fractions (e.g. −100 mesh) for acid-plant feed can be arranged at origin or destination on request — quoted separately from the bulk ore price.
Packaging & documentation
Rock phosphate ships as unbagged bulk in vessel holds. Each lot includes a certificate of analysis showing P2O5, moisture, Cd and particle size distribution. On request we arrange SGS or equivalent pre-shipment inspection at load port, including hold cleanliness survey before vessel nomination.
Standard document set: commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin and certificate of analysis. Phytosanitary certificate issued where destination customs requires it for mineral ore imports. Hold ventilation and trimming instructions are included in the shipping package to prevent cargo shift during ocean transit.
FAQ
What is the difference between apatite, phosphorite and phosphate rock?
All three terms describe sedimentary or igneous ore containing calcium phosphate minerals. Apatite refers to the crystalline mineral (fluorapatite or hydroxyapatite); phosphorite is the geological rock formation; phosphate rock is the trade name for crushed ore shipped to acid plants or farms. Export specifications use P2O5 content regardless of mineralogy.
Which P2O5 grade suits sulfuric acid attack plants?
Most wet-process phosphoric acid units target 28–31% P2O5 rock on a dry basis. Higher-grade ore (32%+) reduces sulfuric acid consumption per tonne of P2O5 extracted but commands a premium. We match origin and grade to your plant's grinding and filtration circuit.
Why does cadmium content matter in phosphate rock imports?
EU and several Asian markets cap cadmium in finished fertilizers. Acid plants sourcing rock above 40 ppm Cd risk non-compliance in downstream DAP and MAP. Moroccan, Egyptian and Jordanian deposits typically meet low-Cd limits; blending may be required for higher-Cd origins.