Syria's General Institution for Geology and Mineral Wealth signed a memorandum of understanding on 20 April 2026 with Saudi company SAMIROCK to develop a joint project producing diammonium phosphate from Syrian oil shale. The ceremony took place at the Energy Ministry building in Damascus under the joint sponsorship of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is one of the most widely traded fertilizers in global agriculture, delivering phosphorus and nitrogen to crops. The proposed project would process Syrian oil shale — a sedimentary rock that releases hydrocarbons when heated — into this agricultural chemical, linking mineral extraction with downstream chemical manufacturing in a single production chain.
Producing diammonium phosphate from oil shale requires a multi-stage process: hydrocarbons must first be extracted and refined before being combined with phosphate inputs through chemical synthesis. Such projects typically require significant capital investment and sustained development timelines before reaching commercial production.
No financial figures, investment size, or project timeline were disclosed at the signing. A memorandum of understanding defines intent and a cooperative framework rather than binding financial commitments; detailed terms are typically established through subsequent project agreements.
The deal reflects growing economic engagement between Syria and Saudi Arabia following diplomatic normalization after the change in the Syrian government in December 2024. Gulf states have been increasingly active in exploring commercial partnerships across Syria's natural resource and reconstruction sectors. Syria has identified mineral wealth and energy resources as priority areas for attracting foreign investment in its economic recovery.
SAMIROCK, the Saudi partner, is expected to bring the investment and technical capacity required for the venture. Syria's geology authority is the state institution responsible for licensing and overseeing natural resource development, making it the primary counterpart for foreign companies seeking access to Syrian mineral assets.