Talks in Damascus
A Saudi company and Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry met in Damascus on 15 June 2026 to begin carrying out a signed memorandum of understanding to develop an oil-shale site in the Khanasser area. The deputy minister led the talks, joined by representatives of the state authority for geology and mineral resources.
The session was held at the General Directorate of Industry and focused on turning the signed memorandum into a concrete work plan.
Fertilizer From Shale
The project aims to extract oil shale at Khanasser and use it to produce di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), a fertilizer central to crop production.
Securing phosphate from its mines and hauling it to the planned plant to meet production needs featured prominently in the discussion.
Survey Comes First
The two sides agreed on a plan for a comprehensive geological survey of the site to gather precise data on the distribution and properties of the shale deposits. Officials said the findings would underpin the technical and investment studies the project requires.
The meeting also addressed where the processing plant and its waste site would sit and how the venture would be localized within the surrounding area.
Wider Mineral Ambitions
Participants pointed to further opportunities tied to the country's mineral wealth, including producing rock wool from oil shale and studying caustic soda and chlorine ventures. Using locally quarried marble in value-added manufacturing was also raised as a prospect.