International Fertilizer Association confirmed no shortage of phosphorites expected

Argus, a global energy and commodity information service, conducted a study commissioned by the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) to estimate the world’s resources and reserves of phosphate rock, a key nutrient phosphorus used in fertilizer production. The analysis was based on publicly available information and data collected through company surveys. It has been determined that, despite several controversial reports, there is no global shortage and that there are sufficient deposits of mined and processed phosphate ore for about 350 years at projected levels of use and with current technology.

This figure, which assumes a lack of progress in mining and processing technologies, can be considered as an underestimate. Theoretically, given the total available global resources, the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and the efficient use of fertilizers, the upper limit could be over 1 thousand years.