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In a major breakthrough, PhosCo Ltd (ASX: PHO) (‘PhosCo’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to announce that the CCM has approved Gassaat and that the Company has entered a ground-breaking memorandum of understanding (non-binding) with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (the Ministry), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Gassaat permit approved
- The Consultative Committee of Mines (CCM) has approved the Gassaat Phosphate Exploration Permit (100% PhosCo).
- Gassaat encapsulates the Chaketma Phosphate Mineral Resource Estimate of 146Mt @ 20.6% P2O51 as well as additional phosphate targets immediately north of the deposit.
- Gassaat is key to developing Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate Basin with formal grant now pending subject to final approval by the Ministry of National Defence and publication in the gazette.
- Gassaat project is aligning on the social agenda of the Tunisian government and aim to include local communities as partners of the project through community companies.
- The news comes following the CCM approval of nearby Sekarna (also 100% PhosCo) last month, the first ever phosphate permit authorised at 100% to a foreign investor, where formal gazetting is expected imminently.
MOU signed with Tunisian Government and EBRD
- PhosCo has signed a non-binding MoU with the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to collaborate on exploring and developing Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate basin hub, as well as study processing technology to convert phosphogypsum into inert materials.
- The MOU also has a strong focus on enhancing regional development through well structured support to communities and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
- The pioneering agreement signed by the Tunisian government is a first for the country’s phosphate industry and will see PhosCo work with EBRD for financing of the feasibility study and development of a financing package for the Project.
MOU signing ceremony at the Ministry of Industry, Mines & Energy.
PhosCo Managing Director, Taz Aldaoud commented:
“We are deeply honoured by the trust placed in us by the Tunisian government, as evidenced by the approval of PhosCo’s Gassaat permit application and the signing of the MOU with PhosCo and EBRD. This marks a significant milestone in advancing Gassaat and Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate Basin.
The Gassaat permit is pivotal in realising our vision for a regional phosphate processing hub. The MOU formalises our excellent relationship with EBRD and the Tunisian Government, establishing a collaborative framework to support the region’s development. We’re already seeing the immediate benefits of this partnership through meaningful cooperation between all parties involved.
We’re particularly mindful of the critical role phosphate plays in addressing global food security concerns. This project not only aligns with that crucial need but also emphasises our commitment to positive community impact. Local support and meaningful community participation are cornerstone elements of our strategy to develop Tunisia’s Northern Phosphate Basin.
This collaborative effort, backed by the Government and EBRD, underscores our shared commitment to responsible development that benefits the local community, the region, and contributes to global food security. We’re excited about the potential this project holds and are committed to its successful and sustainable implementation.”
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South Harz Potash Limited
Investor Insight
South Harz Potash (ASX:SHP) is an advanced-stage potash development company unlocking value from one of Europe’s most strategic fertilizer assets. Headquartered in Perth, Australia, the company is currently advancing a dual-asset acquisition strategy to complement and enhance the long-term value proposition of its wholly-owned South Harz Potash Project.
Overview
South Harz Potash (ASX:SHP) holds a high-potential critical minerals opportunity strategically located in central Europe. Due to its central location, the South Harz Potash Project is primely positioned to capitalise on long-term potash price upside via its direct access to European agricultural markets, electrified rail infrastructure, and existing brownfield underground access.
Europe is seeking to enhance critical mineral resilience amid tightening global potash supply chains. European MOP supply has declined over the past decade, while imports face growing geopolitical risk due to sanctions and restrictions on major exporters such as Belarus and Russia. South Harz Potash offers a potential reliable, low-carbon, and locally-sourced future potash supply to Western Europe’s agricultural centres.
South Harz Potash completed a Pre-Feasibility Study on Ohmgebirge in May 2024, which confirmed strong project economics and scalability. The company’s key potash assets are situated over perpetual mining licenses, underpinning sustained tenure security.
A disciplined capital allocation approach sees South Harz Potash exercising ‘strategic patience’ and aligning further advancement and development of Ohmgebirge with more favorable potash market dynamics. In the meantime, the company is carefully preserving and growing the long-term real option value that it holds from being a potential world-class future domestic potash supplier to Western Europe.
Company Highlights
- Advancing a Dual-Asset Strategy: Targeting acquisition of a second critical minerals project complementary to the company’s flagship Ohmgebirge Development, part of its broader South Harz Potash Project in Germany.
- Preservation and Growth of Long-Term Potash Option Value: Amidst current global and potash market volatility, the South Harz team is focussed on advancing its potash assets via non-dilutive funding sources such as German R&D tax rebates, ERMA funding, and ongoing engagement with financial and industry parties on potential strategic asset-level investment.
- Western Europe’s Largest Potash Resource: The South Harz Potash Project comprises a dominant 659 sq km land position in Germany’s South Harz Potash District, being three perpetual mining licences (including Ohmgebirge) and two exploration tenements.
- Perpetual Tenure: The South Harz mining licences are perpetual with no holding costs and no royalty obligations, ensuring maximum project flexibility and value retention.
- Long-Term Macro Tailwinds for Potash: Europe faces declining MOP supply and is increasingly reliant on imports amid geopolitical disruption in Belarus and Russia. South Harz Potash is primely positioned to deliver stable future supply of sustainable, low-carbon potash to European markets.
- Strong Project Viability: South Harz completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) in 2024 which confirmed Ohmgebirge as a world-class brownfield development with robust technical parameters and excellent economic returns.
The South Harz Opportunity: A Dual-Asset Strategy
South Harz Potash has a dual-asset strategy designed to drive long-term value growth complementary to its South Harz Potash Project.
#1 Acquire and Advance Second Critical Minerals Asset
Leveraging its existing corporate foundation and established presence in Europe and Australia, the company is targeting the strategic acquisition of new critical minerals assets that offer strong potential to drive shareholder value creation while potash markets progressively recover.
With global market conditions rapidly evolving, South Harz Potash holds the purpose and patience to explore new opportunities, backed by a steadfast and supportive major shareholder base.
#2 Preserve and Grow Long-Term Value in South Harz Potash Project
South Harz Potash’s flagship Ohmgebirge Development, part of its broader wholly-owned South Harz Potash Project, is centrally located in Germany’s historic South Harz mining district. It is associated with established regional infrastructure, offering valuable and highly differentiating brownfield development opportunity.
Ohmgebirge hosts a maiden Ore Reserve of 83.1 Mt at 12.6 percent potassium oxide (K₂O) and a total sylvinite Mineral Resource exceeding 286 Mt. The future development of Ohmgebirge benefits from access to over 60 percent renewable grid power, electrified rail to major European ports, and water recycling systems – supporting a low-impact, sustainable operation.
Ohmgebirge forms the foundation of South Harz’s potash strategy, with nearby licences – Ebeleben, Küllstedt, and Mühlhausen–Nohra – offering modular long-term expansion potential.
Management Team
Len Jubber – Executive Chairman
With over 30 years in the mining sector, Len Jubber has held leadership roles including managing director and CEO of Bannerman Resources, managing director/CEO of Perilya, and chief operating officer of OceanaGold. He began his career with Rio Tinto in Namibia and brings a wealth of technical, commercial, and entrepreneurial experience to the company.
Dr. Reinout Koopmans – Non-Executive Director
Dr. Reinout Koopmans brings 15 years of investment banking experience from London, having led global public equity raising for natural resource companies at Deutsche Bank and headed the European equity capital markets team at Jefferies International. He also served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co in Germany and Southeast Asia. Koopmans holds a PhD and MSc from the London School of Economics and a degree from Erasmus University, Rotterdam.
Rory Luff – Non-Executive Director
Rory Luff is the founder of BW Equities, a specialist Melbourne-based equities advisory firm, with over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has spent most of his career advising resource companies on capital raisings and financial market strategies.
Richard Pearce – Non-Executive Director
Richard Pearce has over 30+ years’ experience in the mineral industry across critical, industrial and energy minerals. His participation spans the full asset life cycle and value chains, and includes key roles held across board directorships, exploration and operations management, mining finance, M&A, business strategy and operational improvement. He has a proven business development and asset commercialisation track record.
Dr. Babette Winter – Regional Director and Managing Director of Südharz Kali GmbH
Dr. Babette Winter holds a PhD in chemistry and has extensive experience in politics, communication, public administration, environmental issues, and technology. She served for over five years as state secretary for Europe in Thuringia and held various leadership roles in environmental policy and public relations within German governmental bodies.
Graeme Smith – Company Secretary
Graeme Smith is an experienced finance professional with over 30 years in accounting, corporate governance, and company administration. He is a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, and the Governance Institute of Australia.
