US Awards Grant to Support Tunisia Phosphate Project
The U.S. government is funding efforts to mobilize international investment for a key phosphate production site.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in International Trade
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The U.S. government has awarded a $1.5 million grant to CrossBoundary Group to help secure investment and commercial partnerships for the Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia. The initiative aims to strengthen global critical mineral supply chains through expanded phosphate production.
Why it matters
The program is designed to integrate the Gasaat project into the global market by attracting private capital and fostering supply chain agreements. By providing specialized advisory support, the U.S. hopes to accelerate the project's development over the next two years.
The U.S. Department of State provided $1.5 million in funding to mobilize up to $100 million in private investment. This two-year program supports the development of the Gasaat site to increase total production capacity.
The players
CrossBoundary Group
This investment firm provides advisory services and capital mobilization for projects in emerging markets.
PhosCo
This company is the developer behind the Gasaat phosphate project in Tunisia.
U.S. Department of State
The federal executive department responsible for managing U.S. foreign policy and international development grants.
The details
CrossBoundary Group will manage the selection of commercial participants and investors, all of which remain subject to U.S. government approval. The scope of work includes conducting by-product assessments and finalizing supply chain agreements to bolster the project's viability.
Timeline
August 10, 2026: The notice of funding opportunity was initially announced.
October 30, 2026: The grant award was reported and the program officially commenced.
Next two years: The mobilization program will operate to secure project funding.
Market Dynamics
The grant is part of a broader shift to secure international critical mineral access as defined by the Safeguarding U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Chains - Tunisia notice of funding opportunity. It represents a strategic move to reduce supply dependencies by developing diversified mineral sources.
This program aims to provide retail and institutional investors with new opportunities to participate in the critical minerals sector. Investors should monitor the project's progress as CrossBoundary Group begins selecting commercial partners for the initiative.
The takeaway
The infusion of government funding aims to de-risk the Gasaat project for prospective private investors. Stakeholders interested in the critical minerals market should track this two-year development cycle as the project seeks to reach its $100 million investment goal.
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