Egypt breaks ground on $658 million phosphoric acid complex

Egypt has officially broken ground on a $658 million phosphoric acid industrial complex in the Abu Tartour region of New Valley. The project aims to produce 250,000 tons of high-concentration commercial-grade phosphoric acid annually, a critical component for fertilizer production.

Construction of the facility is being carried out by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. (ECEC). The project is expected to be completed within 30 months and is projected to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, the acid will be exported through Safaga Port to generate foreign currency revenue.

Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawy stated that the complex represents a strategic shift for Egypt, moving from the export of raw minerals toward domestic processing industries that offer higher economic value. The project follows years of delays but has now entered the execution phase following legislative reforms intended to streamline mining investments and reduce risks.