Phosphate
Syria’s exports have broadened as the years passed. The discovery of large reserves of phosphates spurred the government to take a look at developing this industry. It is not a traditionally mineral rich country save for these, natural gas, and oil deposits. Up until 2001 the government owned and operated the mineral industry. It was then announced that they would open this area to private development to further develop this sector by inviting investors in.
Phosphates found their place as the sixth largest producer in the Syrian industry in recent years. This has caused Syria to fall in the top five exporters of phosphates, most of which are shipped to Europe. Production typically stands in the range of 1-3 millions of tons per year. Phosphates that are not exported are often used in fertilizers and other applications locally. Almost three-fourths of all phosphates mined are exported. Reserves of phosphates will eventually be depleted to the point of non-use in the future much like other mineral deposits.
The industrial applications of phosphates have a fairly wide reach. Phosphorus is an element that occurs naturally in deposits of phosphates. It is used for things like incendiary ammunition, pyrotechnics, fertilizers, and can be used as an agent to prevent corrosion of metal. This particular mineral also tends to have several heavy metals threaded throughout it. These natural occurring heavy metals can seep into ground water supplies if not managed efficiently.
Phosphates can have a very polarizing effect on an environment that they were not normally in. It is used as a fertilizer because it can force significant blooming out of some plants while impeding others. Engineering it into a specific type of fertilizer allows industry to take advantage of this boon while keeping an unwanted plant population at bay in fields. This allows for more efficient food production around the world.
