Morocco's OCP Group implements technology to reduce cadmium in fertilizers

The OCP Group, Morocco’s state-owned phosphate monopoly, has developed new technology to reduce cadmium levels in fertilizers to meet tightening European health regulations. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal naturally present in phosphate deposits found in Morocco, the United States, and Tunisia, which can migrate from fertilizers into agricultural soil and the food chain, potentially causing kidney damage and increased cancer risks.

This development follows increased regulatory scrutiny in Europe, including a bill adopted by the French Parliament in June aimed at limiting consumer exposure to the substance. Morocco holds approximately 70% of the world’s known phosphate reserves and is the world’s second-largest producer after China. Since early 2025, OCP has offered fertilizers containing less than 20 milligrams of cadmium per kilogram, significantly reducing the metal's concentration compared to previous levels.