Phosphate rock as a raw material for the phosphate industry

Phosphate rock is usually traded in bulk vessel lots of several thousand tonnes. Tell us your requirement, grade and discharge port and we will check what is realistic.

Both describe the phosphate content. P₂O₅ is the phosphorus pentoxide content in per cent; BPL (bone phosphate of lime) states it as tricalcium phosphate. As a rule of thumb, BPL ≈ 2.185 × P₂O₅, so 30% P₂O₅ corresponds to about 66% BPL.

Cadmium occurs naturally in phosphate rock and largely passes into the phosphate products made from it. EU rules limit cadmium in certain phosphate products, so EU buyers often specify a maximum Cd value in the contract.

Natural calcium phosphates, including phosphate rock, are classified under HS heading 2510 in the Harmonized System, split into unground (2510.10) and ground (2510.20). National tariff lines add further digits, so the exact code should be confirmed for the import country.

Phosphate rock is shipped as dry bulk in bulk carriers, usually loaded at dedicated export terminals. Loading rate, discharge terms and sampling are agreed in the contract.

Common grades are 28–30%, 30–32% and 32–34% P₂O₅. The suitable grade depends on the buyer’s process, for example the design of its phosphoric acid plant.

BPL stands for bone phosphate of lime and expresses the phosphate content as tricalcium phosphate. As a rule of thumb, BPL ≈ 2.185 × P₂O₅.

Typical limits cover Fe₂O₃+Al₂O₃, MgO, chloride and cadmium, along with moisture and particle size. They influence processing, plant corrosion and the quality of the end products, and are confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Yes. Phosphate rock is on the EU list of critical raw materials under the Critical Raw Materials Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1252.

Large deposits are mined in North Africa and the Middle East, for example in Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Origin, parties and payment routes are checked against current sanctions rules before any offer.

The price depends on grade and impurity profile, quantity, origin, the Incoterms® rule and freight, and the market situation at the time. Every price is therefore quoted per transaction.