Phosphate Rocks

About Phosphate:

• It is the natural source of phosphorous, an element that provides nutrients to plants for their growth and development.
• How is phosphate formed? It is a sedimentary rock formed millions of years ago by the accumulation of organic matter on the ocean floor.
• Its reserves are found in Africa, North America, Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Oceania.
• The world’s largest deposits are located in Morocco, which is also one of the global leaders in phosphate extraction.
• Phosphorus in India
  • Phosphate rocks are majorly produced only from two States in India, namely Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Rock phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilizers. Currently, India is 90% dependent on imports for this raw material. 
• Uses
  • Most of the phosphate rock mined throughout the world is used to produce phosphate fertilizer.
  • It is also used as animal feed supplements.
  • Elemental phosphorus and phosphoric chemicals derived from phosphate rocks find application in detergents, insecticides etc.