Iraq to set up two projects to produce 4 million tons of sulfur annually
Cranes loading Iraqi sulfur into cargo ships. Photo: Al-Hazim Group
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, Duha Jabouri, said that Iraq awarded contracts for the development of two sulfur facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 4 million tons to two local companies.
Jabouri stated that both projects are situated in the northern Iraqi governorate of Nineveh and are a part of post-war efforts to use the country’s natural resources, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The Iraqi official elaborated that the first project, awarded to an Iraqi company in 2023, will generate 1.5 million tons annually from the Al-Mishraq mine.
The second project is expected to produce 2.5 million tons annually from the Allizaqa mine in Mosul, the capital of Nineveh governorate.
During his participation in the 8th version of the Fujairah International Mining Forum in the UAE, the Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, clarified that Iraq aims to invest in the sulfur, phosphate, silica, and cement industries, adding that Iraq has the largest sulfur reserve and the second largest phosphate reserve in the world, estimated at 10 billion tons, in addition to other minerals.
“We are working on increasing the contribution of the mining sector to Iraq’s GDP to reach 10 percent. This will support relevant industries and provide more job opportunities,” the Iraqi Industry Minister said earlier.
Tsingshan Holding Group, a Chinese private company active in the stainless steel and nickel industries, will sign a contract to establish sulfur processing facilities in Iraq to be exported to other countries, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
These projects are part of the government’s agenda, which focuses on the utilization of natural resources and mineral wealth throughout Iraq.