Phosphate deposits in Argentina: state of the art

CASTRO, L.N.; SCASSO, R.A.; MOYA, MARÍA CRISTINA

Marruecos

Congreso; COVAPHOS III; 2009

RECHERPHOS Researchers’ Network on Phosphates

Agriculture remains a great part of Argentina's gross domestic product (GDP). Since 1980, the lack of phosphorus in soils has become evident. Up to now, current requirements of phosphorus fertilizers are met by imports. From 1970 to 1980, a systematic prospecting for sedimentary phosphates was carried out by the Argentine Geological Survey, and were delineated eighteen areas in several marine basins with phosphate potential, occupying an area of 637,170 km2. Follow-up studies in recent years conducted to new discoveries, mainly in Patagonia (south Argentina). New data, together with published information about phosphates in Argentina, were compiled in a database. We present these data arranged according to the global phosphogenic events, that are well represented in the stratigraphic column of our country. So far, no miningdeposits have yet been found, however, areas of higher interest are being set out and studied in detail in order to establish their economic potential.