PhosCo, an Australian company, has announced a partnership with STUDI International, a Tunisian engineering group, for the development of the Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia. The partnership, announced on October 7, 2026, will see STUDI become the preferred engineering partner for the project, providing expertise in infrastructure and project management. This collaboration aims to advance the project by addressing both technical and financial aspects.
The partnership includes a strategic investment of $1.4 million AUD by STUDI in PhosCo, subject to contractual steps. According to PhosCo, STUDI will be involved in feasibility studies and potentially in detailed engineering, construction support, and commissioning. However, PhosCo reserves the right to engage other specialized consultants as needed. This development is seen as a significant step towards advancing the Gasaat project.
STUDI International, founded in Tunis in 1970, boasts 620 employees and operates in 42 countries. The company's local knowledge and experience in African projects are expected to be invaluable to the Gasaat project. PhosCo's CEO, Taz Aldaoud, highlighted the benefits of partnering with a Tunisian company, citing STUDI's extensive experience in project development across Africa.
The Gasaat project currently holds an exploration permit of 112 km², with a reported resource of 166.6 million tonnes at 20.6% P₂O₅, according to the JORC standard. The next steps involve converting the partnership with STUDI into operational contracts and demonstrating the project's viability through technical and economic studies.
PhosCo, with approximately 700 employees and a presence in over 40 African countries, is focused on advancing the Gasaat project from its current exploration phase to industrial development. The company's progress will depend on successfully navigating the technical, infrastructural, and economic challenges associated with phosphate mining.
The partnership between PhosCo and STUDI International is seen as a strategic move to leverage local expertise and enhance the project's prospects. With STUDI's experience and PhosCo's resources, the Gasaat project is poised to make significant strides in the coming stages of its development.
Key aspects of the partnership include STUDI's role as a preferred engineering partner, the $1.4 million AUD investment, and the project's potential to contribute to Tunisia's mining sector. The collaboration aims to bring the Gasaat phosphate project closer to realization, capitalizing on the strengths of both PhosCo and STUDI International.
Key points
- PhosCo and STUDI International have partnered on the Gasaat phosphate project, with STUDI investing $1.4 million AUD and becoming the preferred engineering partner.
- The Gasaat project has a reported resource of 166.6 million tonnes at 20.6% P₂O₅ and holds an exploration permit of 112 km².
- The partnership aims to advance the project through technical and economic studies, leveraging STUDI's local expertise and PhosCo's resources.
