Phosphate Rock:
The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has given its nod to carry out an environment impact assessment study for Birmania Rock Phosphate mine proposed in the potential Great Indian Bustard (GIB) area in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- It is the natural source of phosphorus, an element that provides nutrients to plants for their growth and development.
- It is a sedimentary rock formed millions of years ago by the accumulation of organic matter on the ocean floor.
- Its reserves are found in Africa, North America, Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Oceania.
- The world’s largest deposits are located in Morocco, which is also one of the global leaders in phosphate extraction.
- Phosphate rocks are majorly produced only from two States in India, namely Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
- Rock phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilizers. Currently, India is 90% dependent on imports for this raw material.
- Most of the phosphate rock mined throughout the world is used to produce phosphate fertilizer.
- It is also used as animal feed supplements.
- Elemental phosphorus and phosphoric chemicals derived from phosphate rocks find application in detergents, insecticides etc.
