Plizio Visual Lab

Al-Sharqiyeh Phosphate Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

mine

Weather…

Al-Sharqiyeh Phosphate Mine, located near Palmyra in central Syria, is a major source of phosphate rock for the country. Discovered in the 1960s, it began commercial production in 1971. The ore body consists of Paleogene sedimentary deposits with an average thickness of 10-15 meters. Proven reserves exceed 1 billion tons, with annual production currently around 2-3 million tons, down from 4 million tons before the civil war. The extracted phosphate is processed locally into fertilizers and exported mainly to South Asia. The mine employs roughly 1,500 workers and is operated by the state-owned General Company for Phosphate and Mines. The site includes beneficiation plants that use flotation and calcination to upgrade the ore. Challenges include aging equipment, electricity shortages, and sanctions affecting exports.

Location: Syria
Nearby: Palmyra (22 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	8	13	18	23	28	30	30	27	21	13	8
Rain mm	23	17	12	9	9	1	0	1	1	8	13	18

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Al-Sharqiyeh Phosphate Mine represents a colossal industrial undertaking in the central Syrian desert, extracting essential raw materials for agricultural fertilizers. It is historically tied to the national railway network, underscoring its strategic importance.

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Visiting

As an active and highly strategic heavy-industry site located in a sensitive desert region, civilian tourist access into the mining pits is strictly prohibited. Security measures are typically robust, and specialized clearance is required for any official visits.

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Where to view it

The immense scale of the open-cast mining operations and the associated railway infrastructure can occasionally be glimpsed from passing vehicles on regional desert highways. The massive industrial silhouettes stand out dramatically against the barren landscape.

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Local products

There are no consumer products derived directly from this industrial site for casual travelers to purchase. However, the nearby towns that support the mining workforce might offer traditional Syrian desert hospitality and basic regional crafts.

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Active season

Mining extraction is typically an ongoing, year-round operation, driven by industrial demand rather than seasonal factors. If traveling through the surrounding desert region, the spring and autumn months offer the most forgiving weather conditions.

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Nearby

Although the area is remote, those traveling through the central Syrian interior often combine transit with historical stops at desert oases like Palmyra, security permitting. The stark industrial reality contrasts sharply with ancient ruins.