Tunisia has various natural resources, including phosphates, crude oil, natural gas, water, and farmland. Phosphate mining is mainly in Gafsa. It used to be a key part of the economy, but output has dropped due to social unrest.
Oil reserves are around 400 million barrels. One of the main fields is Sidi el Kilani in the north. Most natural gas comes from the Miskar field. It has about 1.5 trillion cubic feet in reserves.
Water is limited. Rainfall averages 230 millimeters a year. Tunisia uses dams and desalination plants to manage its 4.875 billion cubic meters of water.
The country faces energy shortages and lower phosphate income. Still, it’s putting money into renewable energy. This helps cut imports and protects the environment.
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Tunisia’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here’s a list of natural resources that have been discovered in Tunisia, including their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Phosphates | Gafsa, Meknassy, Tozeur-Nefta |
| Crude Oil | El-Borma, Sidi el Kilani, Gulf of Gabes |
| Natural Gas | Miskar offshore field, Ghrib Field |
| Water Resources | Dams and mountain lakes nationwide |
| Biodiversity | Tell and Dorsale mountain ranges |
| Aluminum Fluoride | Gabes |
| Cement | Djebel Ressas, Bizerte |
| Gypsum | Jebel Rkaiz El Beidha, Tataouine |
| Iron and Steel | Djebel Ressas |
| Barite-Fluorite-Lead-Zinc | Beja, Siliana, Boukhil |
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Tunisia’s Natural Resource Discoveries
Phosphates were first found in 1885 in the Gafsa region. By the mid-1900s, the country ranked among the top phosphate producers, with output topping 8 million tons yearly.
The Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG), founded in 1897, runs several mines in places like Metlaoui, Redeyef, and Mdhilla.
In recent years, phosphate production has dropped due to social and environmental issues. Iron ore was discovered near Djerissa in 1906. Mining began soon after, and production peaked at about 1 million tons a year.
French colonial firms managed early operations, later taken over by the Tunisian government after independence. Oil was found at the El-Borma field in 1964 near the Algerian border. El-Borma became a key site, producing up to 12,000 barrels daily.
Total reserves are around 400 million barrels. The national oil company, ETAP, leads development, along with firms like Total and Eni. Other fields, such as Sidi el Kilani and Ashtart, came later.
In 1975, the Miskar gas field was discovered offshore in the Gulf of Gabes. It began operating in 1996 and played a big part in Tunisia’s energy supply.
British Gas (now Shell) developed it, alongside fields like Hasdrubal and Chergui. Output has declined in recent years. In the 1980s, zinc, lead, barite, and fluorite were found in the northwest. Mining started soon after.
In the 1990s, gypsum deposits were located in the south. Since the 2000s, new oil fields and renewable energy projects have gained attention.
Viability of Tunisia’s Natural Resources
Tunisia holds large phosphate reserves, mainly in Gafsa. In the early 2000s, production reached 8 million tons yearly but later dropped due to unrest and poor operations. Still, phosphate remains useful for export and industry. In Sfax, it’s processed into fertilizers and phosphoric acid.
Oil reserves are about 400 million barrels. Key fields are El-Borma and Sidi el Kilani. Output keeps falling, and Tunisia now imports more due to high use and small refining capacity.
Though oil isn’t very viable now, exploration continues with support from firms like Total and Shell. Natural gas reserves stand at 65 billion cubic meters. The offshore Miskar field once peaked at 200 million cubic feet a day.
It helped Tunisia’s energy needs in the 1990s. But today, half the energy is imported. Gas alone won’t last, so other sources are needed.
Water is a major concern. Rainfall is low, only 230 mm per year. The south holds 25% of reserves but struggles with salt and weak renewal.
Overuse rates at 140% make the system fragile. New methods like desalination and harvesting are needed. Tunisia has strong solar and wind energy potential. Solar could produce 320 GW, far above the 5 GW demand.
The Tunisian Solar Plan wants 30% of electricity to be renewable by 2030. With clear goals and rich resources, this is highly doable. Zinc and lead are still used from Bou Jaber and Fej Lehdoum, though in small amounts.
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Export Potential Of Tunisia’s Natural Resources
| Natural Resouces | Annual Export Volume | Primary Market |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphates | 3 million tons | Europe (France, Spain), Asia (India) |
| Fertilizers | 1 million tons | Europe, Africa |
| Crude Oil | Limited | Europe (Italy) |
| Natural Gas | Royalties from pipelines | Italy |
| Renewable Energy | Potential: 320 GW | Europe (Germany), Africa |
| Processed Minerals | Small-scale exports | Europe |
Current Exported Resources
Tunisia is one of the leading exporters of phosphates. Before 2010, it produced around 8 million tons each year. About one-third of this is exported. The rest is used locally to make fertilizers like phosphoric acid, and the major export markets include France, Spain, and India.
Crude oil exports are small due to lower production. Fields like El-Borma and Sidi el Kilani are the main sources. Most crude oil goes to Italy.
Though Tunisia’s gas reserves are small, it earns royalties from the Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline. This pipeline moves Algerian gas to Italy..
Processed minerals like zinc, lead, barite, and iron are also exported, though in small amounts. These go mostly to European industries.
Emerging Export Opportunities
Tunisia has strong potential for renewable energy. With an estimated 320 GW capacity in solar and wind, it produces far more than the 5 GW it needs.
This gives it a chance to export green electricity and hydrogen to Europe and North Africa. Projects like TuNur are designed to connect Tunisian solar power to European markets.
Processed phosphate products, like triple superphosphate (TSP), offer a way to increase export value. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates new paths for exports. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are growing markets for fertilizers, minerals, and energy.
Economic Impact Of Tunisia’s Natural Resources
Tunisia’s natural resources impact the country’s GDP, employment, trade, and financial stability.
Contribution To GDP
Phosphates, oil, and gas contribute a lot to Tunisia’s GDP. Before 2010, phosphates made up 5% of GDP and 10% of exports.
Oil production peaked in the 1980s at 120,000 barrels per day. Now it’s down to about 65,000. Tunisia is also investing in renewable energy. Solar and wind projects aim to reduce imports and support future GDP growth.
Employment And Industry Development
The phosphate sector gives direct and indirect jobs to around 30,000 people. It also supports industries like fertilizer production in Sfax. Oil and gas fields in Gabes and El-Borma provide work in drilling, refining, and support services.
Local firms and foreign companies, like Shell, are part of this. New jobs are also coming from renewable energy, especially in construction and tech.
Trade Balance And Foreign Exchange
Phosphates and fertilizers still contribute in exports. Tunisia used to be a top-five exporter worldwide. Oil exports bring in foreign currency, though less than before due to lower output.
The country also earns from pipeline royalties carrying Algerian gas to Europe. Solar energy exports could help cut fuel imports and improve trade numbers.