The American Israel Phosphate Company has decided to proceed with construction in the Negev of a large plant to mine and refine millions of tons of phosphates annually, it was announced here today by Walter Frank, president of the company, who arrived here from the United States to make arrangements for erecting the plant.
Large phosphate deposits of a quality suitable for mining have been located by the company at Hemeishar in the Negev, following test borings which have been carried out since last summer. According to the company’s engineers, the deposits are more than 25 feet thick and are sufficiently near the surface to permit open cast mining.
Phosphotes are currently being mined in Oron by a Government-owned phosphate firm which produces about 250, 000 tons annually.
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