Foundation stone laid for $2bn phosphate fertilizer mega-project in Iraq's Anbar
Al- Anbar (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq's Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khalid Battal Al-Najm, laid the foundation stone on Thursday (May 22, 2025) for a new $2 billion integrated phosphate fertilizer complex in Al-Qaim, Anbar governorate. This major project is a partnership between Iraq's State Phosphate Company, Asas Al-Handasa, and East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. (ECEC).
Minister Al-Najm highlighted that Anbar's western desert holds one of the world's largest phosphate reserves, estimated at 10 billion tons. The new facility aims to produce 500,000 tons of Triple Superphosphate (TSP) and one million tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) annually.
'This project is a glimmer of hope and a cornerstone for major investments to utilize Anbar's minerals,' Al-Najm stated, adding that further silica and phosphate projects would be announced soon, some at the upcoming Baghdad Investment Forum in June.
Economic expert Taha Al-Janabi noted the project's potential to redefine Iraq's use of natural resources by processing raw phosphate locally for higher value. The initiative is seen as a critical step towards economic diversification, job creation, and industrial revival in Anbar.
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