Phosphate in Saudi Arabia is not just a mineral. It is a strategic resource. It plays a big role in agriculture, industry and the future economy of the Kingdom.
Many people think Saudi Arabia depends only on oil. That idea is changing fast. Mining, especially phosphate mining, is now one of the strongest pillars of economic diversification.
Let me explain Better everything.
Info Box: Phosphate Sector Overview
- Resource Type: Phosphate Ore
- Main Region: Northern Borders Province
- Estimated Reserve: Approx. 2.8 billion tons
- Key Operator: Maaden
- Strategic Program: National Industrial Development and Logistics Program
Importance of Phosphate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phosphate is natural resource found in large quantities in Kingdom. It is mainly used to produce fertilizers that help grow food around the world.
Saudi Arabia produces around three million tons of phosphate ore and phosphate products every year. The total phosphate reserve of the Kingdom is estimated at 2.8 billion tons which is huge number.
What makes this more important is that around 7 percent of the world’s phosphate reserves are located in one region of Saudi Arabia. This region is Turayf Governorate, especially in Waad al-Shamal area.
Main Phosphate Regions in Saudi Arabia
Most phosphate deposits are located in Northern Borders Province. This area has become one of most important mining zones in the country.
Key locations include:
- Hazm al-Jalamid
- Umm Wu’al
- Al-Khabra
- Waad al-Shamal
These sites are close to each other. This makes mining, processing and transportation more efficient.
Discovery of Phosphate in Saudi Arabia
Phosphate ore was officially discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1983. The first major discovery happened at the Hazm al-Jalamid site.
This site is about 148 kilometers from Turayf Governorate. Later, more phosphate deposits were found in Umm Wu’al and Al-Khabra.
After years of planning and development, the first phosphate shipment was exported in 2017. Since then, Saudi phosphate has reached many global markets.
Countries Benefiting from Saudi Phosphate Exports
Saudi Arabia exports phosphate and fertilizer products to about sixteen countries.
Some of main destinations include:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Australia
- Several East African countries
These exports support global food production and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s trade relations.
Phosphate Exploitation in Saudi Arabia
In the early stages, phosphate exploitation in Saudi Arabia focused mainly on local agricultural needs. The goal was to support domestic fertilizer production.
Later the strategy expanded. Large industrial cities were developed to support mining and processing.
According to the General Authority for Statistics, phosphate exploitation increased by 199.11 percent between 2014 and 2019.
Production rose from:
- 1,911,000 tons in 2014
- To 5,716,000 tons in 2019
This growth shows how fast the sector is developing.
Role of Maaden in the Phosphate Sector
The phosphate sector in Saudi Arabia is manage by Maaden, officially known as the Saudi Arabian Mining Company.
Maaden is one of most important mining companies in the region. According to its 2020 annual report, it is the second largest exporter of phosphate fertilizers in the world.
Maaden produces:
- Diammonium phosphate
- Monoammonium phosphate
- Ammonia
- Sulfuric acid
- Phosphoric acid
- Composite phosphate fertilizers
These products are essential for agriculture and industry.
- Also Read: Al-Hajar Mine Saudi Arabia: Gold Mining
- Also Read: ESNAD: Saudi Mining Services and Support Company
Phosphate Sites and Joint Ventures
By 2019, around 50 phosphate ore sites had been identified across the Kingdom.
These sites are operated by:
- Maaden Phosphate Company
- Maaden Waad al-Shamal Phosphate Company
These companies are joint ventures involving Maaden, SABIC and the American company Mosaic.
This cooperation brings global expertise and advanced technology to the Saudi mining sector.
Waad al-Shamal Industrial City
In 2018, Saudi Arabia inaugurated Waad al-Shamal Industrial City, the largest phosphate mining and production complex in the Kingdom.
The city covers an area of 440 square kilometers and is located west of Turayf Governorate.
It was built close to main phosphate mines to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Facilities Inside Waad al-Shamal
Waad al-Shamal Industrial City includes advanced industrial infrastructure such as:
- Ammonia plant with capacity of Approx. 1 million tons per year
- Ore concentration plant
- Phosphoric acid plant
- Sulfuric acid plant
- Mining train loading and unloading facilities
- Warehouses and maintenance workshops
This integrated setup allows phosphate to be processed from raw ore to finished product in one location.
Ras al-Khair Port and Phosphate Exports
Ras Al-Khair Port is main phosphate export hub in Saudi Arabia.
The port is located on the Arabian Gulf coast in the eastern part of Kingdom.
It handles large volumes of phosphate products for international export.
Mining Train and Logistics Network
Phosphate is transported from the northern mines to Ras al-Khair through a 1,500 kilometer mining railway.
This railway is operated by Saudi Arabia Railways.
The mining train plays a key role in reducing transportation costs and supporting large scale exports.
Phosphate and Vision 2030
Phosphate is a core element of Saudi Vision 2030.
It is part of National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, which focuses on:
- Economic diversification
- Reducing oil dependency
- Strengthening mining and logistics sectors
The goal is to increase phosphate production and make Saudi Arabia a global mining leader.
Economic Impact of Phosphate in Saudi Arabia
The phosphate industry contributes to:
- Job creation
- Industrial growth
- Export revenues
- Food security worldwide
It also attracts foreign investment and advanced technology.
Conclusion
Phosphate in Saudi Arabia is more than a mineral resource. It is a strategic asset for the Kingdom’s future.
With massive reserves, modern industrial cities, strong logistics and global partnerships, Saudi Arabia is becoming a leading force in the global phosphate market.
I hope this guide help you to understand the importance of phosphate in Saudi Arabia.
