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Story: Fertiliser industry

Phosphate rock from Morocco

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Phosphate rock from Morocco

After the phosphate rock deposits on Nauru were exhausted, new sources had to be found. Today it comes mostly from open-pit mines in Northern Africa, like this one in Khouribga, Morocco, where ancient deposits formed from the remains of marine life. The mined rock is washed and dried before being shipped to New Zealand.

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How to cite this page

Ants Roberts, Fertiliser industry – The role of fertiliser companies, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/15847/phosphate-rock-from-morocco (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ants Roberts, published 1 March 2009.

Comments

Mike Barton
11 October 2016
The majority of NZ's imports come from Bou Craa in Western Sahara. That is the neighbouring country which Morocco invaded, in 1975, and continues to occupy.
CASTELLANO
05 March 2012
STOP STEALING PHOSPHATE ROCK FROM OCCUPIED WESTERN SAHARA!!!!