Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met with Fertiglobe CEO Ahmed El Hoshy to discuss preliminary plans for an integrated phosphate fertilizer complex in Ain Sokhna, with investments exceeding $1.5 billion. Fertiglobe is part of the UAE-based ADNOC Group.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources on Sunday, Octobor 18, 2026 the proposed complex would have an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2031.
The project forms part of Egypt’s efforts to maximize the economic value of its mineral resources by expanding local manufacturing and establishing integrated industrial projects that make better use of natural raw materials, increase production and exports, and attract investment in higher-value-added industries.
Badawi described the project as an opportunity to strengthen integration between the mining and manufacturing sectors by converting mineral resources into higher-value industrial products. He stressed the need to complete the technical and economic studies required to assess the project and its requirements.
The minister directed Fertiglobe to coordinate with the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority and Egypt’s mining sector to identify available phosphate rock sources and assess the feasibility of securing long-term supplies. Further studies will cover production technology, energy requirements and the infrastructure needed for the complex.El Hoshy outlined the preliminary project concept, reiterating the planned annual capacity of 1.3 million tons and investments exceeding $1.5 billion, with commercial production expected to start in 2031.
The meeting also addressed accelerating the exchange of technical, geological and commercial data and completing arrangements to explore phosphate rock supply agreements, supporting the project’s economic assessment and defining its implementation requirements.
The two sides further discussed the potential localization of AdBlue production in Egypt, using locally produced urea. The aqueous urea solution is used in vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and improve air quality.Badawi stressed the importance of assessing the proposal’s technical and economic feasibility, including production requirements and potential applications, before determining the next steps.The meeting was attended by Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company Chairman Alaa El-Din Abdel Fattah and Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority Chairman Yasser Ramadan.
House speaker mourns death of MP Saad el Gammal Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects House speaker mourns death of MP Saad el Gammal Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects