China’s Sinoma Construction has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Morocco’s state-owned OCP Group to deliver an advanced phosphate processing unit, marking the first EPC-style collaboration between the two companies.

The deal strengthens Morocco’s position as a global fertiliser and phosphate processing hub, while giving Sinoma a strategic foothold in one of Africa’s most advanced industrial mining ecosystems.

While OCP has not formally confirmed the exact site, industry sources cited by local media say the new facility is expected to be integrated into the group’s Jorf Lasfar industrial platform, Morocco’s largest phosphate processing and export hub on the Atlantic coast.

Under the agreement, Sinoma will manage the full project cycle, including design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the chemical processing facilities. The scope covers the construction of a phosphate processing plant, associated production units, storage facilities, boiler rooms, warehouses, and the installation of loading and unloading systems and auxiliary infrastructure.

OCP operates a 187km phosphate slurry pipeline linking the Khouribga mining basin to Jorf Lasfar, allowing high-concentration slurry to be transported directly to processing facilities, significantly lowering logistics costs and emissions.

The project aligns with OCP’s broader downstream expansion strategy. The group currently processes more than 40mn tonnes of phosphate rock annually and is among the world’s largest fertiliser producers, exporting to over 160 countries. OCP has been investing heavily in value-added products, including specialised fertilisers and battery-grade phosphate materials.

Morocco holds the world’s largest phosphate rock reserves, concentrated around Khouribga, the Chaouia region south of Casablanca, Boucraa in the southern provinces, and Youssoufia in the Doukkala-Abda area.

The contract also reflects deepening industrial cooperation between China and Morocco, as Chinese engineering firms expand their presence in North African heavy industry, mining and chemicals.

Sinoma, part of China National Building Material Group, has been scaling EPC operations across Africa as Beijing-backed contractors target large industrial projects tied to energy transition minerals and fertiliser supply chains.

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