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Gafsa Phosphate Mines

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Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)

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The Gafsa Phosphate Mines are the backbone of the Tunisian mining industry and one of the country's most significant raw material sources. The discovery of rich phosphate deposits in 1885 by French geologist Philippe Thomas marked the beginning of a new industrial era. In 1897, the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) was founded, and it still controls extraction in towns such as Metlaoui, Moularès, and Redeyef today. Tunisia has historically ranked among the top five phosphate producers in the world, with the mineral primarily used for fertilizer production. Extraction takes place in both open-cast and underground mines, connected by an extensive rail network that transports the ore to the ports of Sfax and Gabes. The Gafsa region is almost entirely economically dependent on this industry, making mining a social and political focal point. Despite modernization efforts, the industry faces major environmental challenges regarding water consumption.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C891318222730302521149
Rain mm201321201563821182122

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Gafsa Phosphate Mines are a vast extraction area for phosphate rock in Tunisia, ranking among the world’s leading sources. They form the economic backbone of the Gafsa region.
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Visiting
The mines are active industrial facilities and not freely open to the public. From roads one can see the huge open‑pit excavations and processing plants.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the road between Gafsa and Métlaoui, from which the spoil heaps and processing plants are clearly visible. Sunset provides an impressive scene.
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Local products
The region is known for phosphate fertilisers used in agriculture. In the souks of Gafsa, local handicrafts such as pottery are also sold.
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Active season
Mining runs year‑round, independent of weather. Peak activity occurs during global fertiliser demand spikes in spring and autumn.
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Nearby
Nearby is the old town of Gafsa with its Roman past and hot springs. The famous Métlaoui gorge is also worth a trip.

Geography

Coordinates
34.33100, 8.40600

Facts

  • The first phosphate deposits were discovered in 1885 in Metlaoui.
  • The Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) was founded in 1897.
  • Tunisia was at times the fourth-largest phosphate exporter in the world.
  • The mines are connected to the coast via specialized railway lines.
  • Several million tons of raw phosphate are extracted annually in the region.
  • The mining sector directly employs over 30,000 people in the Gafsa region.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MétlaouiMétlaoui<1 km · WExplore →
Djebel Ben YouneDjebel Ben Youne26 km · NEExplore →
Mdhilla Chemical ComplexMdhilla Chemical Complex29 km · SEExplore →
GambelaGambela31 km · NWExplore →
GafsaGafsa36 km · EExplore →
Djebel OrbataDjebel Orbata37 km · EExplore →
TamerzaTamerza42 km · WExplore →
ChebikaChebika43 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Gafsa phosphate mines?
This is one of the world's largest phosphate rock mining sites, crucial for fertilizer production.
Can one visit the mines?
The mines are active industrial zones and are not open to the public for tourism.
What is the Gafsa region known for?
Gafsa is the historic center of the Tunisian phosphate industry and important to the regional economy.
When is the best time to visit Gafsa?
Spring or autumn are convenient, as summers are extremely hot in this desert region.
What is near Gafsa?
Nearby you can find the famous mountain oases such as Chebika and Tamerza.
Gafsa Phosphate Mines: where is it located?
Gafsa Phosphate Mines is located in Tunisia.
Gafsa Phosphate Mines: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Gafsa Phosphate Mines: why is it worth visiting?
The Gafsa Phosphate Mines are the backbone of the Tunisian mining industry and one of the country's most significant raw material sources.
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Nearby cities

Gafsa — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Gafsa
The center of phosphate mining and a historical oasis city in the south.
Métlaoui — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Métlaoui
A city in southwestern Tunisia serving as the center of phosphate mining.
Tamerza — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Tamerza
The largest mountain oasis in Tunisia, known for its dramatic waterfalls and impressive mud-brick ghost town.
Chebika — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Chebika
A paradise-like mountain oasis featuring crystal clear springs, palm trees, and dramatic gorges at the edge of the Sahara.
Gambela — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Gambela
The capital of the Gambela region, located on the Baro River in western Ethiopia.
Tozeur — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Tozeur
A famous desert city on the Chott el Djerid, known for its dates.
Dembidolo — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Dembidolo
A market town in western Ethiopia, capital of the Kellem Welega Zone.
Nefta — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Nefta
An ancient desert town near the Algerian border, known as a religious center of Sufism.
Fériana — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Fériana
A city in the Kasserine region surrounded by Roman ruins and olive groves.

Nature

Chott el Gharsa — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Chott el Gharsa
A salt lake in Tunisia.

More places

Mdhilla Chemical Complex — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Mdhilla Chemical Complex
A specialized industrial facility focused on the production of triple superphosphate and other advanced fertilizers.
Roman Pools of Gafsa — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Roman Pools of Gafsa
Historical thermal water pools from the Roman era, fed by natural hot springs.
Djebel Ben Youne — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Djebel Ben Youne
A mountain in the Gafsa region.
Djebel Orbata — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Djebel Orbata
A mountain massif in Gafsa.
Djebel Om el Adame — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Djebel Om el Adame
A mountain in the Kasserine region.
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Djebel Onk Phosphate Mine
The largest phosphate deposit in Algeria, crucial for the fertilizer industry and export.
Chott el Djerid — Gafsa Phosphate Mines (Tunisia)
Chott el Djerid
The largest salt lake in Tunisia, an extensive basin.