Sulfuric Acid (Wet Process Phosphoric Acid)

World's largest phosphate rock producer and exporter; also largest single consumer of sulfuric acid globally. Consumed 11.3M MT H2SO4 in 2023 — equivalent to all of Germany's sulfuric acid output — to produce phosphate fertilizer at Jorf Lasfar complex. In January 2025 announced $1.2B investment to expand H2SO4 and fertilizer capacity. Produces H2SO4 on-site by burning imported elemental sulfur (shipped from Middle East producers and refineries). Morocco holds ~70% of global phosphate reserves.

World's largest US potash and phosphate producer. Esterhazy K1 and K2 mines (Saskatchewan) began experiencing managed brine inflows in 1985; managed for decades until Mosaic made the decisive choice to build the K3 underground mine (announced 2009, commissioned 2022) to replace K1/K2. K1/K2 closed 2021. K3 at Esterhazy is now the world's largest operating potash mine. Also operates Colonsay SK mine (conventional underground). The Esterhazy flooding saga represents the most consequential water-management incident in Saskatchewan potash history, requiring a $4B+ replacement mine investment.

Major diversified mining and commodities trading company; produces sulfuric acid as byproduct at its copper, zinc, and lead smelters globally (Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Philippines, Peru, etc.). One of the world's largest merchants of sulfuric acid from smelting operations. Also one of the world's largest sulfur traders — trades recovered sulfur from refineries and intermediates it to fertilizer manufacturers. Glencore's dual position as a smelter byproduct H2SO4 producer AND sulfur trader gives it market intelligence across both supply sources.

European integrated copper group (SDAX: NDA, HQ Hamburg, Germany); world's largest copper recycler and one of Europe's largest copper smelters. After the September 2024 sale of its Buffalo, NY flat-rolled products site to Wieland, Aurubis exited the U.S. connector-strip market to concentrate on primary copper production, recycling, and multimetal recovery. Aurubis Hamburg remains a world-scale refinery (1M+ MT/year cathode output) and continues to supply copper cathode feedstock to strip rollers including Wieland's European facilities. Aurubis Pirdop (Bulgaria) is its primary copper smelter. The company also operates secondary smelters in Belgium (Lünen) and the UK (Swansea). Prior to divestiture, Aurubis Buffalo produced copper and copper alloy strip for electronic connectors, heat exchangers, architectural products, and electrical goods.

Saudi Arabia's state mining company. At Wa'ad Al Shamal, operates integrated H2SO4 production using elemental sulfur from Saudi Aramco as feedstock — advantaged access to low-cost domestic sulfur. H2SO4 produced on-site is consumed entirely within the integrated phosphate fertilizer process. Ma'aden is both a major H2SO4 producer and consumer at a single integrated complex. Bought out Mosaic's 25% JV stake Dec 2024.

Major US merchant sulfuric acid producer; 1,400+ employees; 17 manufacturing plants and multiple distribution facilities across US, Europe, Canada, and Asia. Founded 1945 in Detroit. Key facilities: Chicago, IL (H2SO4 production); Gent, Belgium (300 MT/day capacity, recently upgraded converter). Primarily a merchant H2SO4 distributor and producer — supplies industrial, chemical, and fertilizer customers who do not produce their own acid. Also produces oleum, battery acid, and spent acid regeneration services.