Valorization of Phosphogypsum: OCP and IFC Forge a Strategic Partnership
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and OCP Group have officially signed a loan agreement of approximately 95 million euros to finance a land-based phosphogypsum storage facility in Jorf Lasfar, with a capacity of 22 million tons. The total cost of the project is estimated at 190 million euros.
An Industrial Project with Significant Environmental Dimensions
This project aims to gradually reduce the marine discharge of phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphoric acid production, and to pave the way for its valorization in various sectors, including agriculture, road infrastructure, and combating desertification.
Phosphogypsum is generated in large quantities—about five tons for every ton of phosphoric acid produced. At the Jorf Lasfar site, production reaches nearly 32 million tons per year, making it a critical environmental management challenge for the group.
Ending Progressive Marine Discharge and New Storage Logic
Until now, this byproduct was discharged into the sea through dedicated infrastructures that have been environmentally permitted since 2010. The new plan involves establishing a land-based facility designed to sustainably store this material over an area of 115 hectares.
The completion of construction is expected by April 2027. The site will be located south of the Jorf Lasfar industrial complex, near El Jadida.
Towards a Circular Economy and Industrial Valorization
Beyond storage, the project aligns with a strategy for industrial valorization aimed at turning phosphogypsum into a useful resource.
Alternative uses are already being studied or are in pilot phases:
Agriculture: Improving soil quality and increasing agricultural yields, especially in saline areas.
Road Construction: Substituting natural materials and developing technical mixes incorporating phosphogypsum.
Combating Desertification: Creating vegetation barriers and pilot projects in arid regions of southern Morocco.
Some experiments have already shown promising results, particularly in enhancing soil quality and agricultural performance.
An Expanded Partnership for Sustainable Transition
The IFC is also supporting this project through advisory assistance aimed at developing new avenues for economic valorization, such as sulfur recovery and the production of low-carbon footprint materials.
This initiative aligns with the overall strategy of OCP Group, which focuses on innovation, the circular economy, and sustainability to transform its industrial byproducts into drivers of growth and development.
