Rock phosphate is a general term for rock that contains a high concentration of phosphate minerals, which commonly belong to the apatite group. Phosphate rock minerals are the only significant global resources of phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential element for plant and animal nutrition. Mined rock phosphate is primarily used in the production of phosphate fertilisers for agriculture. Phosphorus from rock phosphate is also used in animal feed supplements, food preservatives, anti-corrosion agents, cosmetics, fungicides, ceramics, water treatment and metallurgy.