Phosphate industry : OCP focuses on sustainable development, innovation
More than 900 stakeholders in the global phosphate ecosystem from 40 countries are gathered in Benguerir, 70km north of Marrakech, to discuss how to use disruptive technologies to change the phosphate industry.
In other words, what artificial intelligence, advanced virtual reality, the Internet of Things, drones, etc. can concretely bring in terms of innovations to the phosphate industry. This is the topical issue being debated at the 5th edition of Symphos (International Symposium on Innovation and Technology in the Phosphate Industry), held in Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Benguerir (UM6P) Oct.7-9
The Symphos serves as a platform for sharing good practices and innovation; examine solutions that can improve production and protect resources; exchange knowledge and know-how between the different participants; promote synergy between laboratories and research and industrial centres.
Besides the main subject matter on innovative and disruptive technologies for a sustainable phosphate industry, the symposium covers a wide range of topics, including intelligent fertilizers, the environment and sustainability, the circular economy and the optimization of processes and resources.
The event will also be marked by the introduction of new themes and devices around the production of green ammonia, an essential element for soil fertilization, and the challenges of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
As in previous editions, Symphos 2019 has an exhibition space where over 80 exhibitors display their new technologies and products. It also features B-to-B meetings to allow participants to meet partners who will help them to improve their processes, services or products.
Participants in Symphos 2019 will also discuss the establishment of an international network of the Symphos community. Composed of scientists and industrialists, this entity will have the mission to identify, develop and make available to all members the progress of research and highlight the virtues of phosphorus and phosphates, according to a scientific approach and quality technique.
The 900 participants in the event represent major global players in the industry, manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, start-ups and designers of new technologies, researchers, academics and members of learned societies, heads of specialized engineering and design firms, as well as consulting firms and associations from some 40 countries.
OCP launched the biennial event “Symphos” in 2011. Since its launch, it has become an international innovation hub for phosphate and its derivatives.
Morocco is the world’s first producer of phosphate-based fertilizers. In 2018, OCP’s revenues reached $5.95 billion.
