Critical minerals, fertilisers, and world war: Italian colonialism and the political ecology of phosphate in the Mediterranean

Abstract

This article traces the origins of phosphate commodity chains in the Mediterranean region, focusing on Italy’s role in the first half of the 20th century. It argues that due to its key role in Italy’s economic development and geopolitical strategies, phosphate can be seen as a critical mineral to the country, even if—at the time—this terminology was not yet used by its policymaking circles. Italy sought to secure its phosphate supplies by invading Libya, while also obtaining mining concessions in Tunisia and Egypt. Phosphate imports became necessary to the fascist regime’s policy of purported agricultural self-sufficiency. However, when WWII broke out, Italy’s phosphate supplies collapsed. The role of competition over natural resources as a factor contributing to war is of contemporary significance, in light of the current “scramble” for critical minerals.