Rock phosphate, the primary raw material for fertilizer and phosphoric acid, occurs as high-grade ore (+30% P 2 O 5 ), medium-grade ore (20%–30% P 2 O 5 ), and low-grade ore (15%–20% P 2 O 5 ). The very high-grade ore blends with medium-grade ore for direct sale. The high-grade ore is mined, crushed, and sold to various fertilizer plants.