Algeria accelerates Annaba phosphate port expansion to Q1 2027

Key facts

• Algeria is accelerating the Annaba phosphate port expansion project.
• The project's completion is targeted for the first quarter of 2027.
• A new deepwater quay will accommodate ships up to 80,000t.
• The expansion aims to boost Algeria's phosphate rock and fertilizer export competitiveness.
• The project is part of the Integrated Phosphate Project (IPP), a joint venture between Sonatrach and Sonarem.
• Somiphos plans to expand its Djebel Onk mine and supply phosphate rock to Indonesia.

Algeria is accelerating the expansion of its Annaba phosphate port, with additional workers and equipment to be deployed this month and next. The project is now slated for completion by the first quarter of 2027, according to Algeria's works and infrastructure ministry. The expansion aims to enhance the logistical competitiveness of Algerian phosphate rock and fertilizer exports by building a deepwater quay capable of handling 80,000t ships, an increase from the current maximum shipment size of 55,000t handled by Somiphos. This port development is a key component of Algeria's Integrated Phosphate Project (IPP), a joint venture between state-owned energy company Sonatrach and state-owned mining firm Sonarem. The IPP also involves developing phosphate deposits at Bled El Hadba and establishing a phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, and ammonia facility in Oued Keberit, Souk Ahras province. The Souk Ahras facility is projected to have a capacity of 900,000 t/yr of P2O5, with an estimated annual demand for around 3 million tonnes of phosphate rock. The Bled El Hadba mine is already operational and building stock to supply the Oued Keberit facilities. Somiphos plans to market some of this phosphate rock for export before the phosphoric acid production commences. Furthermore, Somiphos expects to complete a 1 million t/yr expansion at its Djebel Onk mine by July 2027, aiming for production to reach 1.8 million tonnes in 2026. Following this expansion, Somiphos is likely to supply phosphate rock to Indonesia under a previously signed agreement.