Tel Aviv — Israel’s Energy and Water Ministry is looking into the possibility of limiting phosphate mining in the Negev. The panel appointed by the ministry – comprised of three members from the ministry and headed by Yosi Vertzburger, director of the natural resources unit – will also examine the royalties paid by Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) on the phosphate that it mines in southern Israel. ICL currently mines millions of tons of phosphates annually and pays $0.73 per ton in royalties to the state on each ton of phosphate mined. The ministry, which has overall responsibility for Israel’s natural resources, fears that uncontrolled mining would lead to the depletion of local reserves. The panel was instructed by Ministry Director General Shaul Tsemach to examine the various issues regarding local mining in light of the expected global shortage of phosphates. About 95 percent of mined Israeli phosphates are exported, either directly or indirectly. The panel will examine the issue from a long-term vantage point and to guarantee that the country has sufficient reserves for future needs. The ministry is also revisiting the agreement on royalty payments for phosphate rock to determine whether it needs to be changed, and is considering hiring a foreign advisor to assess the situation in Israel and make recommendations.
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