OCP Group, formerly Office Chérifien des Phosphates, is a Moroccan state-owned phosphate rock miner, phosphoric acid manufacturer and fertilizer producer.[2][3] Founded in 1920, the company has grown to become the world's largest producer of phosphate and phosphate-based products and it is one of the largest phosphate, fertilizer, chemicals, and mineral industrial companies in the world by revenue.[4][5][6][7]
OCP has access to more than 70% of the world's phosphate rock reserves.[8] Initially a mining company, OCP diversified in 1965 to become a phosphate processor, making it the world's largest fertilizer manufacturer.[9] The company holds a 31% market share of the world phosphate product market.[7]
The Group employs nearly 17,000 people in Morocco, along with staff in several international subsidiaries.[10] In 2024, it generated revenues of US $9.76 billion.[11]
History
Origins
The OCP Group was founded in Morocco in 1920 as the Office Chérifien des Phosphates following Royal Decree. Mining production began in 1921, when it began extracting phosphate rock at its first mine in Khouribga. Transportation of the phosphate to the port of Casablanca also started in 1921, allowing the first export of phosphate that year. Subsequently, OCP launched other mining sites in Youssoufia in 1931 and in Benguerir in 1976, and launched chemical production in Safi in 1965, and in Jorf Lasfar in 1984.[12]
Ownership
In 2008, the OCP Group became a limited company.[13][14] Currently 95% of the OCP Group is owned by the Moroccan state and 5% by
Operations
Mines and key sites
Khouribga
OCP's first mine opened in Khouribga in 1921. The Khouribga area has the richest phosphate deposits in the world.[32] In 2014, a slurry pipeline between Khouribga and Jorf Lasfar was launched, which transports phosphate from the mines to the processing facility safely and efficiently. The pipeline, one world's longest gravity powered pipelines[33] saves more than 3 Mm3 of water per year, as well as a significant amount of energy.[34] The site employs more people than any other OCP mine, which is more than 6,100 people.[34]
Products
Phosphate rock
The mining of phosphorite, (also known as phosphate rock or rock phosphate) was OCP's earliest operation, with the sale of these products being the company's main business. The company extracted 34.4 million tonnes in 2018, 11.3 million tons of which were exported, with Khouribga accounting for the biggest share.[49] OCP market share in this product category is 38%.
Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is made from phosphate and due to its non-toxic nature, is widely used in the food, cosmetic, and dental industry. It is an example of diversification and supply chain integration to drive value.[50] OCP produced 6.1 million metric tonnes in 2018, giving it a market share of 49%.[7]
OCP globally
While the majority of OCP's operations are based in Morocco due to its large Phosphate reserves, the company has expanded globally, in processing, sales, and distribution. The company has more than 160 customers on five continents.[62] The companies also support the communities they operate in by analyzing soil to tailor fertilizer to specific needs.
North America
OCP North America, headquartered in Minnesota, United States, was founded in 2019.[63]
South America
OCP's largest South American operations are located in Brazil. The company's Brazilian operations are made up of two companies, OCP di Brasil and OCP Fertilizantes, both headquartered in São Paulo. The companies undertake competitor and market research as well as working with farmers to establish the best fertilizers for their needs. The company also helps market, sell, and distribute OCP products in the country.
Major subsidiaries and joint ventures
JESA
In 2010, OCP Group entered in to a joint venture with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., one of the world's largest providers of technical, professional, and construction services. The new company was named Jacobs Engineering SA (JESA).[74]
Prayon
Prayon Technologies is a joint venture between OCP Group and the Wallonia Regional Investment Company. The original company was founded in 1882, in Belgium as the Société Anonyme Métallurgique de Prayon, a Zinc producer. In 1996, OCP bought half of the shares. The company specializes in chemical R&D, finding and developing compounds and developing their use cases. The company, through OCP's expertise is recognized as a leader in phosphate creativity.[75]
SEEFCO S.A.
Financial information
See also
- Economy of Morocco
- Phosphate
References
- Morocco's BCP bank buys stake in OCP for $600 mln Reuters, 2009-01-12, retrieved 2023-05-21^
- Office Chérifien des Phosphates (Morocco) Solpart Project, 2016^
- OCP Group: Major Business Opportunities SYITC, November 1, 2016, retrieved March 7, 2017