Production: Exploring the hidden value of phosphogypsum

Rare Earth Elements – the new gold in the phosphogypsum. © RFTB

In the first quarter of 2025, we have been actively exploring the potential of phosphogypsum recycling as part of our commitment to circular solutions in the fertilizer industry that aim to reduce the phosphorus inflow to the Baltic Sea. In collaboration with our German and Polish partners, we took a closer look at this waste, aiming to build a strong partnership to uncover its market potential. 

Our joint investigations suggest that phosphogypsum may contain significant amounts of rare earth elements (REEs)—a group of metals essential to green technologies, electronics, and defense systems. With global demand for REEs rising and prices climbing, this hidden resource could demonstrate that phosphogypsum is more than just industrial waste. While the concentrations of REEs in phosphogypsum require further analysis, the feasibility study indicates that this topic merits deeper exploration, both on technological and economic levels. Additionally, we are continuing to enable phosphogypsum reusing in the construction industry. 

At the same time, we are examining the potential economic value of recovering phosphorus from stored phosphogypsum. Since both phosphorus and REEs are considered critical raw materials, our work could contribute both to reducing eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and to strengthening the EU’s independence in securing critical raw materials. 

Stay tuned as we dig deeper into this “new gold” and assess its potential for sustainable recovery and value creation.