Plizio Visual Lab
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The Khouribga phosphate mine is the heart of the Moroccan mining sector and contains the world's largest known phosphate reserves. Since its discovery in 1921, it has been operated by the OCP Group (Office Chérifien des Phosphates) and has made Khouribga the global capital of phosphates. Extraction takes place in open-pit mines on the vast phosphate plateau, where modern technologies such as giant dragline excavators are used. The extracted raw materials form the basis for the production of fertilizers and phosphoric acid, which are indispensable for global agriculture. A technical highlight is the 'Slurry Pipeline' that transports the processed phosphate directly to the industrial port of Jorf Lasfar. Khouribga is not just a mine but a gigantic industrial complex that creates tens of thousands of jobs and secures Morocco's leading role in the global market for agricultural raw materials.
- Location: Morocco
- Top sights: Khouribga Province · Phosphate Stadium · Ouled Abdoun Basin
- Nearby: Oued Zem (32 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 55 | 50 | 58 | 38 | 24 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 48 | 89 | 60 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine is the world's largest phosphate rock extraction site and the heart of Morocco's phosphate economy. It supplies the raw material for fertilizer production and thus holds global strategic importance.
Visiting
The mine is a vast industrial area and is not open to the public. From the road between Khouribga and Oued Zem, the extensive open pits and spoil heaps can be seen.
Where to view it
A convenient viewpoint is the elevation south of Khouribga, overlooking the entire open-pit mining area. The observation platform at the entrance of the OCP Museum in Khouribga also gives a good panorama.
Local products
In Khouribga, mainly raw phosphate rock is mined, later converted into fertilizers. However, on local markets, travelers find traditional handicraft products such as Berber carpets and silver jewelry, unrelated to mining.
Active season
The open-pit mining operates continuously, with production aligned to global demand. Peak extraction volume is typically achieved in the months before the main agricultural season when fertilizer production ramps up.
Nearby
A visit to the Khouribga mine can be excellently combined with the OCP Phosphate Museum in the city, showcasing the history of mining. Nearby oases and the Middle Atlas plateau are also worthwhile destinations.
Geography
Facts
- The Khouribga mines provide nearly 70% of Morocco's total phosphate production.
- The Slurry Pipeline to Jorf Lasfar is 187 km long and significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
- Khouribga contains estimated reserves of over 35 billion cubic meters of phosphate.
- Commercial extraction officially began in March 1921.
- Giant draglines with bucket capacities up to 50 cubic meters are used for overburden removal.
- OCP invests heavily in water recycling to make mining operations more sustainable.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the OCP Khouribga phosphate mine?
One of the largest and most important phosphate mining areas in the world.
Is the mine accessible to visitors?
No, as an industrial facility, it is not open to tourism.
Why is this place economically significant?
Phosphate is a major export of Morocco, essential for fertilizer production.
When should one travel to the area?
The region of Khouribga is more of an industrial and commercial location.
What is near?
The city of Khouribga features insight into the regional industrial structure.
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine: where is it located?
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine is located in Morocco.
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Khouribga Province, Phosphate Stadium, Ouled Abdoun Basin.
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
OCP Khouribga Phosphate Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Khouribga phosphate mine is the heart of the Moroccan mining sector and contains the world's largest known phosphate reserves.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Morocco →
Nearby cities
Khouribga
The center of Moroccan phosphate mining.
Beni Mellal
A fertile oasis city at the foot of the Middle Atlas.
Khenifra
A city in the Middle Atlas, considered the capital of the Zayanes (Berber tribe).
Oued Zem
A city in the Chaouia region, shaped by the phosphate industry.
Bin el Ouidane
A stunning reservoir in the Middle Atlas, a paradise for water sports and fishing enthusiasts.
Ouzoud
Home to Morocco's most spectacular waterfalls, surrounded by olive trees and wild monkeys.
Imilchil
A High Atlas mountain village famous for its annual marriage festival and the twin lakes of Isli and Tislit.
Settat
A growing university and industrial city on the Chaouia plain.
Berrechid
A rapidly developing industrial city in the greater Casablanca area.
Nature
More places
Jbel Aouam Mine
A polymetallic mine in central Morocco extracting lead, zinc, and silver.
🗺️
Gharb Plain
Main cultivation area for citrus fruits in Morocco.
Anti-Atlas
A mountain range in the south of Morocco.
🗺️
Tiznit Plain
Flat plain near the Atlantic coast.
🗺️
Guelmim Plains
Dry plains in the southwest.
Oued Noun
An important wadi in the southwest.
🗺️
LafargeHolcim Settat Cement Plant
One of the most modern cement plants in Africa, supporting the construction boom in the Casablanca region.
Tadla Region
An important agricultural area for cereals and sugar beets.