Researchers at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar have unveiled a major technological breakthrough: a patented process for recovering and separating alumina and phosphate from deposits in Thiès.
The innovation, officially registered under OAPI patent number 21680, promises to reshape Senegal’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
The process enables the production of alumina with 95% purity while also allowing the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers from natural gas by-products.
Dr. Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye of the National School of Mines and Geology highlighted the significance of the achievement: “This opens the way to a local and profitable industrial development of our mineral resources.”
Beyond its technical capabilities, the method is economically viable and environmentally conscious, offering a competitive alternative to imported bauxite.
The approach reflects a broader effort to reinforce industrial sovereignty through local expertise and university-led research.
This development aligns with Senegal’s strategic vision to transform the Matam region into a phosphate hub.
The government has launched a comprehensive industrial initiative encompassing production units, training centers, and an innovation facility.
Experts suggest that the UCAD patent could complement this large-scale project, positioning phosphate as a key driver of national development.
The university’s work also highlights its role as a scientific catalyst for public policy, with potential for technology transfer and partnerships across mining and agricultural industries.
Discussions are already underway to explore collaboration opportunities that would maximize the patent’s impact.
By advancing applied research and sustainable resource management, UCAD has strengthened Senegal’s position in regional innovation.
The patent not only demonstrates the country’s scientific capabilities but also opens new avenues for industrial growth, economic independence, and environmentally responsible resource utilization.
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