The grains of the business
OVERBURDEN
The earth above the phosphate matrix is called overburden. A dragline removes this earth to get to the matrix.
MATRIX
A mixture of phosphate, sand and clay make up the matrix. It is buried 15-30 feet below the earth's surface. A dragline is used to mine the matrix.
CLAY
The clays are separated from the sand and phosphate by washing and screening. The clay is then pumped into ponds to settle.
PHOSPHATE PEBBLE
Gravel-sized pieces of phosphate are recovered during the same washing and screening process that separated the clay from the matrix.
SAND
The remaining mix of sand and phosphate is combined with chemicals, water, air bubbles and mechanical force to separate the sand and phosphate.
PHOSPHATE CONCENTRATE
Tiny phosphate particles are collected after the sand is removed. The concentrate and the pebble are the source of phosphorous in products.
Chemical processing and manufacturing of phosphate products
PHOSPHATE ROCK
This non-renewable resource provides the phosphorous all living things require. Ninety percent of the phosphate is used in fertilizer. Five percent is used in animal feed and five percent is used in household products.
SULFUR
Sulfur is used to make sulfuric acid, which is then combined with the phosphate rock to create phosphoric acid. This is used to make numerous products for fertilizers and animal feeds.
PHOSPHOGYPSUM
When sulfuric acid is reacted with phosphate, phosphogypsum is created. It is stockpiled in huge stacks. This is a sample of gypsum that is similar to phosphogypsum.
DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE
Ammonia is reacted with the phosphoric acid to make a main ingredient used in fertilizers.
FERTILIZER
Phosphate compounds are combined with other nutrients to make fertilizer, which promotes increased production and better quality of crops.
ANIMAL FEED
Animals require phosphorus to maintain their skeletal and muscular systems. The fluorine is removed from phosphate products, making them safe as food supplements.
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