ABSTRACT

Phosphate rock, also called apatite and phosphorite, belongs to the apatite class of minerals. In trade markets, apatite refers to macrocrystalline fluorapatite of igneous origin, and phosphate rock refers to microcrystalline calcium fluorophosphate of sedimentary origin [ 1]. The phosphate industry operates under a plethora of regulations concerning surface mining and industrial plant waste. Specific rules and regulations are enforced to minimize the effect of mining and processing of rock on the environment. Some regulations have been developed without taking full account of the cost-benefit ratio or the availability of technology to implement the standards. This causes problems in achieving a balance between phosphate rock production and environmental goals. Outside the scope of this book are environmental concerns related to the mining and separation of phosphate concentrate, such as factors related to vegetation and wildlife, drainage, water supply, wetland preservation, floodplains, solid waste disposal, and historical and archaeological sites.