Phosphate is a sedimentary rock formed millions of years ago by the accumulation of organic matter on the ocean floor. Phosphate reserves are found in Africa, North America, Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Oceania but the world’s largest deposits are located in Morocco, which is also one of the global leaders in phosphate extraction.
Phosphate rock has a granular texture and a brown to black color and is often found alongside silt, clay and pyrite when mined. Phosphate pieces are usually a couple of centimeters in size and have to be sifted out of the other material. Deposits can be found in both these small chunks as well as in large seams.