US phosphate major Itafos is courting Indian partners for a Guinea-Bissau rock phosphate project—seen as a potential new supply source at a time when China’s export curbs and rising global prices have tightened the fertiliser market. Sources said talks with an Indian entity are at an advanced stage, and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) has already been signed.
The biggest hurdle is the construction of a port, since the phosphate will need to be shipped out for producing di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). Speaking to businessline, David Delaney, CEO of Itafos, said that China, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have restricted the US as a phosphate supplier to only two countries—Canada and Brazil.
Acknowledging that Itafos is not currently in a position to supply India, he said that if the Guinea-Bissau project moves forward, India could potentially source supplies from there. On the company’s India plans, Delaney said: “The only plan could be if we develop the project in Guinea-Bissau…when we develop this rock project. We are in contact with major Indian companies. If we do develop that (in a joint venture), there could be an opportunity for India to secure supply, though rock phosphate from there could also be sold to Europe.”
