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How can samples of rock phosphate from Venezuela be obtained for research purposes?

Our lab is studying the agronomic efficiency of different phosphate rocks. Venezuelan deposits are geochemically distinct, but commercial suppliers don't seem to stock them. What are the established channels through government geological surveys, academic collaborations, or material repositories and what legal documentation like MTAs should I expect to navigate?

 

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By Vinod D Answered 4 years ago

Having sourced rare geological materials before, I recommend a dual-path approach. First, formally contact the Venezuelan Ministry of Mining or its national geological survey, INGEOMIN. Be prepared for a slow process requiring detailed research proposals. More reliably, I've had success networking at international soil science conferences to find collaborators at Venezuelan universities like Universidad Central de Venezuela. They can often provide small research samples under a simple MTA. Always insist on a certificate of analysis detailing the sample's origin and P?O? content. For a faster, albeit more generic option, check the World Phosphate Rock Institute's reference collections.

 

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