Kef: 330,000 tons of good quality phosphate abandoned, CPG and SNCFT did not keep their promises, private sector mobilized

Over 300,000 tonnes of high-quality agricultural and metallurgical phosphate, extracted from a mine in Kalaâ Khasba (governorate of Kef), have stayed unused for a long time on a 30-hectare site at the town’s entrance. Last week, local authorities convened a meeting at the governorate headquarters to see solutions for this persistent economic and environmental issue. Talks centred on expediting the implementation of an accord signed on April 15, 2016, which has remained inactive despite formal commitments by the Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG) and the National Tunisian Railways Company (SNCFT). The action plan is as follows:

1. The CPG managed the collection of 110,000 tonnes of phosphate, and 5 million dinars were assigned to the residents of Kalaâ Khasba for the development of small projects in various sectors, as reported by the official news agency on Monday, November 4.

2. Gathering, processing, and commercialization of 330,000 tonnes of mineral phosphate. The proceeds will be directed to a fund that supports private investment in the town. This operation will be entrusted to a private company from the region.

3. Land cleanup and rehabilitation where the phosphate is collected, enabling the development of agricultural projects or other initiatives.

This comprehensive plan is poised to profit all parties, provided that this time all promises are upheld and deadlines met. It’s a situation that needs to be closely monitored to ensure follow-through and success.