Potash vs. Phosphate: What’s the Difference?
Phosphate and potash are both chemical nutrients used in the production of fertilizers. But what exactly is the difference between them? We break it down for agricultural investors.
Phosphate and potash are both chemical nutrients used in the production of fertilizers. But what exactly is the difference between them? We break it down for agricultural investors.
The rising cost of food is both a gift and a curse for Brazil. As a commodity-heavy economy, the country’s agricultural expansion is a driving force supporting the expansion of several phosphate producers in the area.
Stonegate Agricom Ltd. (TSX:ST) announced that revisions of its mineral resource estimates for the lower and upper phosphate zones of its Idaho-based Paris Hills phosphate project include a 33.6 percent increase in measured and indicated mineral resources in the lower zone.
Peak phosphate is a risk to both food and biofuel production and should be on the minds of agricultural and mineral investors.
An innovative new phosphate mining technique offers a way to revitalize phosphate production by transforming lower-grade phosphate rock into phosphoric acid.
With advancing technology and booming world demand, phosphate production is heading offshore and into deep water.
MENA phosphate producers represent more than 80 percent of world reserves. Overrun by political risks, this region will require moderating labor and wage relations between state-run producers and a politically invigorated labour force going forward.
Potash production remains stagnant as Potash Corp and Uralkali cull output in response to low farmer purchasing. However, short-term prospects look slightly positive as producers are certain global demand will pick up.
North America is an important player in phosphate ore production and refinement. With rising food prices, declining arable land and persistent emerging market demand for phosphate-based fertilizers, it will remain an important component in the phosphate game.
After closing out 2011 on a low, many are hopeful 2012 will be a year for potash and phosphate producers. But despite strong long-term fundamentals, the uncertainties of 2012 appear unlikely to offer a quick turn around in the value of potash and phosphate prices or company values.
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