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FAQs
What is phosphate rock?
Phosphate rock is a general term used to describe natural mineral assemblages of variable composition that have a high concentration of phosphate minerals. Most of the minerals in phosphate rock belong to the apatite group.
Which are the main types of phosphate rock?
In nature there are two types of phosphate rock, igneous and sedimentary. Over 90% of total phosphate rock resources are sedimentary. Marine sedimentary phosphates are made up of a wide variety of phosphate particles, or “phosclasts”, which can be divided into (1) skeletal grains (bioclasts, shark teeth, and bone fragments) and (2) non-skeletal grains (peloids, coprolites, aggregates, or composite grains) [24]. These phosphate particles coexist with other non-phosphatic phases such as quartz, calcite, dolomite, and clay minerals.
What are the main uses for phosphate rock?
Phosphate rock is the main raw material for phosphate fertilizers. Some other uses are products for animal feed and beverages.
Can phosphate rock be used as a fertilizer for direct application?
Phosphate rock has a very low solubility in water and that is the main difference compared to phosphate fertilizers. But the main phosphate minerals in sedimentary phosphate rock are carbonate fluorapatite (CFA), formerly known as francolite. Francolite is highly susceptible to a wide range of substitutions in various positions. The fundamental substitution of CO3−2 for PO4−3 in 0~25% of phosphate sites takes place at a 1:1 ratio. This substitution makes francolite a mineral that could release phosphates to acid soils (pH <6.5). Sedimentary rocks containing francolites with high substitution levels are defined as reactive rocks and could be used as a fertilizer for direct application. Bifox phosphate rock (from Bahia Inglesa in Chile) is recognized in international bibliography as highly reactive. In low ph soils Bifox phosphate rock can reach a relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) of 90% compared to soluble phosphate fertilizers. To allow a faster phosphate release, Bifox´s phosphate rock is grinded to a small particle size (90% < mesh Taylor 100).
Can Bifox’s phosphate rock be used for organic agriculture?
Bifox’s phosphate rock is a natural product that is extracted from the mine, and then undergoes a series of mechanical operations, including screening, crushing and grinding to achieve the desired particle size to improve reactivity in soil. There are no chemical transformation processes or any additives incorporated to the final product.
Where is Bifox’s phosphate rock produced?
The mine and production facility are located at 15 km from Bahia Inglesa city and Caldera Port in Atacama region in Chile.