Morocco, the world's largest phosphate exporter, has stated that it has reduced the cadmium content in its fertilizers, but the European Commission acknowledges it lacks the means to verify this claim. The issue resurfaced following an investigation published by Boursorama on August 22, 2026, which focused on the Sidi Chennane mine near Khouribga.
Cadmium, a naturally occurring heavy metal in phosphate rock, can accumulate in soils and crops when fertilizers are applied, posing health risks. The European Union has set limits on cadmium in fertilizers, but enforcement relies on importer declarations and spot checks.
Morocco's state-owned phosphate giant OCP has invested in technology to reduce cadmium levels, but independent verification remains a challenge. The European Commission told reporters that it cannot confirm the effectiveness of Morocco's reduction measures due to a lack of access to production data.
The Boursorama investigation highlighted that while OCP has made progress, the company's own reports indicate that some products still exceed the EU's proposed limits. The EU is considering stricter regulations, which could impact Moroccan exports.
