China’s ECEC to build $2 billion phosphate fertilizer complex in Iraq

China’s East China Engineering Science and Technology Company (ECEC) is partnering with Iraq’s State Phosphate Company to build a $2 billion integrated phosphate fertilizer complex in the western province of Anbar, Iraqi officials said.

The project aims to revive Iraq’s phosphate sector, which was severely damaged during the conflict with Islamic State militants, and to exploit an estimated 10 billion tons of phosphate reserves in the Anbar Desert, according to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.

Doha al-Jabouri, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the plant would be developed in cooperation with the private sector and described it as a “mega-project” that reflects Iraq’s untapped industrial potential. The complex is expected to have an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons of triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer and 1 million tons of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP).

The foundation stone for the project was laid in May by Industry and Minerals Minister Khalid Battal al-Najm, who said the investment would serve as a catalyst for further mineral development projects in western Anbar. The ministry stated that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to rebuild domestic fertilizer production and reduce reliance on imports, while leveraging the country’s extensive phosphate resources.