PhosCo Ltd has achieved commercial high-grade phosphate concentrate of up to 34% P2O5 with low impurities from its flagship Gasaat Phosphate Project in Northern Tunisia, marking the highest concentrate grades ever reported for the asset.

The optimisation test work, conducted at Bureau Veritas Minerals in Adelaide, demonstrated that a simple, single-stage flotation circuit can produce concentrate grades ranging from 31.4% to 34% P2O5 with recoveries between 73.5% and 77.8%. Four distinct concentrate grade results of 33.0%, 33.5%, 33.6% and 34% P2O5 topped previous benchmarks, exceeding earlier single-stage flotation tests that capped grades at 31.4% P2O5.

The results establish a direct linear relationship between the MgO collector dosage and the cleaner concentrate MgO grade. This allows the processing team to target lower MgO concentrate grades when required to match customer final grade specifications. The technical data also confirm that a target MgO concentrate grade of 1% can be achieved at a collector dosage of 1.27 kg/t, validating the simplified beneficiation flowsheet developed earlier in the year. The circuit eliminates multiple silica flotation steps, reducing technical risk and process complexity by using a direct reverse flotation method to remove carbonates and silica simultaneously in a single rougher and cleaner stage.

“These results are a major breakthrough for PhosCo because they highlight the potential for our product to attract a substantial price premium. This top-quality product would be highly sought after. This is shown by the fact that phosphate rock with similar characteristics trades at a material premium to regional benchmarks due to its scarcity and cost benefits for transport and downstream processing.”

“The ability to produce a desirable phosphate concentrate with a simple flowsheet is a major breakthrough at a time when the world is looking for new suppliers. PhosCo remains firmly on track to become a cost-competitive, globally significant fertiliser producer”

— Taz Aldaoud, Managing Director

To allow time for additional test work—including upcoming ore variability testing across the KM and other Gasaat deposits to confirm feed and concentrate grade limits—PhosCo has deferred its updated scoping study to October 2026. The release of the updated scoping study will activate a further A$7.5 million equity investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development alongside an additional A$0.6 million grant instalment to fund the Gasaat Feasibility Study.

Read the full announcement: Metallurgical Tests Deliver Premium Phosphate Concentrate