PhosCo, a phosphate mining company, has outlined its environmental and social commitments for the Gasaat Phosphate Project in Tunisia. The project will be developed in accordance with applicable Tunisian environmental requirements and recognised international standards. Initial studies have not identified any significant environmental issues that would prevent project development.
Material actions and disclosures
PhosCo plans to produce tailings as a filter cake and assess co-disposal alongside waste rock as part of the project design. Significant quantities of waste rock are expected to be generated, and opportunities for progressive backfilling of previously mined-out areas will be assessed through mine planning and rehabilitation studies.
Water availability and sustainable management are key considerations given the arid nature of the region. Hydrogeological investigations will assess potentially exploitable aquifers, including deeper formations, to establish water quantity, quality, sustainable yield, and development requirements. The assessment will consider water resources for mining and processing, including the potential use of deep saline water, as well as opportunities to identify suitable sources of good-quality water for nearby communities. Water efficiency, recycling, and recovery will also be considered to minimise freshwater consumption.
Chemicals will be used in the flotation process, and appropriate measures for their storage, handling, and management will be developed to protect workers, the environment, and surrounding communities. Further surveys will assess habitats, flora, and fauna across the project area and inform the siting of mining and processing facilities, waste-management areas, and supporting infrastructure. Measures to minimise land disturbance, protect sensitive areas, and progressively rehabilitate disturbed land will be considered as the project develops.
Known archaeological sites will be considered during project planning and managed in cooperation with the relevant Tunisian authorities. Further investigations will be undertaken where required, and procedures will be established for the discovery of previously unidentified archaeological material during ground-disturbing activities.
Construction and operations will generate traffic associated with personnel, equipment, supplies, and phosphate transport. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed in collaboration with the relevant authorities to manage traffic and minimise potential impacts. Further infrastructure and logistics studies will assess access requirements, transport routes, and the potential implications of transporting phosphate products towards the Port of Gabès.
Potential impacts associated with traffic, dust, noise, and project activities will be assessed as part of the ESIA. Appropriate management measures will be developed to protect workers and neighbouring communities.
Forward commitments
PhosCo is committed to allocating 10% of company profits to local communities through community companies. This initiative is intended to enable communities to share in the project’s success and support locally driven economic and social development priorities. Through community companies, it will provide a mechanism to encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen local economic participation, and support sustainable development across the surrounding region.
PhosCo will continue to work closely with local communities and government authorities to progress the legally binding arrangements and the Gasaat project.
PhosCo aims to establish a responsible and lasting partnership with surrounding communities while progressing the project.
Attributed to the Gasaat Phosphate Project announcement, PhosCo.