Hubbry Logo
ICL Group Ltd.ICL Group Ltd.Main
Open search
ICL Group Ltd.
Community hub
ICL Group Ltd.
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
ICL Group Ltd.
ICL Group Ltd.
ICL Group Ltd.
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Mineral extraction in the Dead Sea

Key Information

ICL Group Ltd. (Hebrew: איי.סי. אל. גרופ בע"מ) (formerly Israel Chemicals Ltd., ICL)[8] is a multi-national manufacturing concern that develops, produces and markets fertilizers, metals and other special-purpose chemical products. ICL serves primarily three markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials.[9] ICL produces approximately a third of the world's bromine, and is the world's sixth-largest potash producer.[10] It is a manufacturer of specialty fertilizers and specialty phosphates, flame retardants and water treatment solutions.[11]

ICL is majority controlled by the Israel Corporation, one of the largest Israeli conglomerates. In addition to the Dead Sea Works, Israel Chemicals mines phosphates in the Negev desert.[12]

ICL Group serves customers in Asia.[13]

The company's share is a dual stock traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 1991 and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ICL, and is part of the Tel Aviv 35 Index.

Operations and business

[edit]

90% of ICL's sales are exports. Through its subsidiaries, ICL produces 35% of world's bromine, 13% of the world's potash (excluding US-Canada cross-border trade), 9% of the western world's magnesium and 3% of the world's phosphate rock, (excluding US-Canada cross-border trade).[14]

ICL exports fertilizers to Europe and to numerous specialty chemical market segments. In Israel, ICL is the largest supplier of fertilizers and chemicals, as well as one of Israel's largest companies.[citation needed]

60% of ICL's raw products (minerals) are excavated in Israel. ICL also owns and operates underground mines in Spain, United Kingdom (North Yorkshire), China, the United States and South America.[citation needed] Also, in Ethiopia at Danakil mine, Afar Regional State, purchased from Allana Potash Corporation.

ICL North American headquarters are in Creve Coeur, Missouri.[15]

Polysulphate

[edit]

Polysulphate is a brand name for polyhalite fertilizer products produced for farming, turf, and horticulture. The only mined source is a polyhalite seam that lies 150–170 m (490–560 ft) beneath the potash seam at Boulby Mine, England.[16]

Food business

[edit]

ICL is active in the market for plant-based meat alternatives and invested $20 million in October 2019 to expand its manufacturing capacity and R&D base.[17]

In December 2021, ICL announced the grand opening of a 10,000 square foot alternative protein production facility in St. Louis, Missouri, previously owned by Bayer.[18]

Lithium iron phosphate

[edit]

ICL began developing a new plant in St. Louis to process lithium iron phosphate in 2023. In 2024, ICL received US federal infrastructure grant funds to build a larger plant in north St. Louis.[19] ICL chose to cancel the project after the Trump administration cut the grant in 2025. A similar project planned in Spain was also cancelled.[20]

White phosphorus

[edit]

ICL supplies White phosphorus munition to the United States Armed Forces and commercial customers, such as Israel.[21] The largest production facility is in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as a collaboration with Pine Bluff Arsenal, ICL, and Bayer.[22]

Among 2025 May Day protests was a demonstration outside ICL Iberia in Manresa on account of white phosphorus attacks on civilians in Gaza, as well as extraction of water from Manresa municipality. Protesters called for a boycott of ICL.[23] Humanitarian organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented Israeli use of white phosphorus over dense civilian areas in the Gaza war, arguing that it constitutes indiscriminate attacks and prohibited by the Geneva Conventions as a war crime.[24][25]

Financials

[edit]

In April 2009, the company was said to be considering a bond offering to raise 500 million shekels ($122 million).[26]

ICL announced in September 2018 that it was launching a tender to buy back $800 million worth of 4.5 percent debt due in 2024 sold to bondholders in 2014.[27] The bonds of the new offer are running for 20 to 30 years.[27]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

ICL Group Ltd.

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
ICL Group Ltd. is an Israeli specializing in the production of specialty minerals, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals derived primarily from , , and resources extracted from the and other global sites. Headquartered in , the company operates through segments including Growing Solutions for , Industrial Products, Solutions, and , focusing on applications in , , flame retardants, and sustainable . Tracing its origins to early 20th-century ventures during the British Mandate era, when entrepreneur Moshe Novomeysky initiated mineral extraction, ICL has evolved into a global leader employing over 12,000 people and reporting $6.841 billion in sales for 2024. The firm emphasizes innovation in resource-efficient products, such as polyhalite-based fertilizers and compounds, while managing extensive mining and processing operations across multiple continents. ICL's strategic position in essential mineral supply chains has supported advancements in and industrial safety, though its activities have drawn scrutiny over environmental impacts from evaporation ponds and resource extraction.

History

Founding and early mineral extraction

The precursors to ICL Group Ltd. originated with the Palestine Potash Company (PPC), founded in by Moshe Novomeysky following a concession granted by British Mandate authorities to exploit mineral resources. Novomeysky, a Russian-born engineer who immigrated to in 1920 and advocated for industrial development aligned with Zionist goals, recognized the 's brines as a vast reservoir of , , magnesium, and salts. Early extraction commenced in 1930 with the construction of a processing plant at Kalia on the 's northern shore, employing solar methods to concentrate minerals from pumped . Brines were directed into shallow evaporation ponds where solar heat precipitated and other salts; these were then mechanically harvested, dissolved, and chemically processed to isolate () and extract via chlorination of the residual liquors. production initiated in 1931, with output starting the following year, marking the Dead Sea operations as Mandatory Palestine's largest industrial enterprise. To scale production, PPC established a larger facility at Sodom on the southern shore in , boosting capacity to 80,000 metric tons of annually by 1936 through expanded evaporation fields covering approximately 100 square kilometers by later decades. These efforts yielded primarily for fertilizers and for industrial applications, contributing over 50% of the value of Jewish exports from by 1940 and laying the foundation for subsequent state-controlled entities like after nationalization in 1952.

Nationalization and post-independence expansion

Following Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, operations at the southern Dead Sea potash evaporation ponds, previously managed by Palestine Potash Limited, were disrupted by the ensuing Arab-Israeli War, with the northern facilities falling under Jordanian control and being dismantled. The Israeli government revived extraction activities at the southern site, nationalizing the assets in 1951 under the Ministry of Development to secure domestic control over vital mineral resources. In 1953, the entity was reorganized and renamed Dead Sea Works, focusing initially on potash production while beginning to extract bromine and other salts, with output scaling to support Israel's nascent industrial base. Government-backed expansion in the included infrastructure upgrades at Sdom, enabling annual production to reach approximately 100,000 tons by the late , alongside initial refining for export. Concurrently, phosphate deposits in the were prospected and mined starting in the early , leading to the establishment of the Negev Phosphate Corporation, which by the 1960s produced over 1 million tons annually of phosphate rock for manufacturing. These developments marked a shift toward integrated chemical processing, with facilities for and s emerging to leverage local raw materials amid import constraints. By 1961, legislation granted Dead Sea Works a 25-year concession for mineral extraction, formalizing state monopoly and spurring further investment in capacity. The decade saw export-oriented growth, with chemical output rising to constitute a significant portion of Israel's industrial exports. In 1968, the government consolidated several state-owned entities—including phosphate and fertilizer operations—into Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL), a unified holding company to streamline management, enhance efficiencies, and position the sector for global competition. This restructuring integrated upstream mining with downstream processing, laying the foundation for diversified production in potash, phosphates, and specialty chemicals.

Privatization, rebranding, and global growth

In 1992, the Israeli initiated the privatization of Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) by listing 19% of its shares on the , marking the transition from full state ownership to a publicly traded entity. This process followed decades of nationalization and state control, enabling greater market-driven operations and investment. By the early , privatization advanced further, with the government divesting additional stakes, culminating in ICL's dual listing on the under the ticker ICL, which facilitated access to international capital markets. In May 2020, the company rebranded from Chemicals Ltd. to ICL Group Ltd., emphasizing its shift toward a global specialty minerals and chemicals focus beyond its Israeli roots. The aligned with strategic efforts to highlight diversified operations in , industrial products, and emerging sectors like materials, while maintaining core competencies in and phosphates. unlocked resources for aggressive global expansion, primarily through acquisitions and greenfield investments targeting high-growth markets in specialty fertilizers, biologicals, and battery materials. Key moves included the 2024 acquisition of Nitro 1000 in to bolster biological crop solutions manufacturing, enhancing ICL's Latin American presence. In July 2024, ICL purchased Custom Ag Formulators, a U.S.-based provider of customized , to expand its North American specialty footprint. Later that year, a $170 million distribution agreement with AMP Holdings Group in strengthened ICL's access to Asia's water-soluble fertilizers market. Additionally, ICL committed approximately $500 million to a battery materials production in , , announced in November 2024, projected to create over 150 jobs and support production for electric vehicles. These initiatives, building on earlier expansions like the acquisition of in the UK, positioned ICL as a sixth-largest global producer with operations spanning four continents.

Business Operations

Potash production and Dead Sea Works

Dead Sea Works, a wholly owned of ICL Group Ltd., manages production operations at the southern basin of the near Sodom, . The facility extracts minerals from through a solar evaporation process, where water is pumped into large evaporation ponds, allowing natural solar heat to concentrate salts including , which is then harvested, processed, and refined into () . This method leverages the region's arid climate and low elevation— the lowest point on Earth's surface—for efficient, low-energy evaporation without chemical additives in some products. Operations span approximately 150 km², with nine production plants employing around 1,500 workers running 24/7. The site's annual potash production capacity stands at about 4.011 million metric tons, contributing significantly to ICL's segment, which also includes underground mining in . In 2023, segment production faced challenges, declining by 85,000 metric tons year-over-year due to operational issues and regional security disruptions from the Israel-Hamas war, though sales volumes remained robust. ICL anticipates Potash segment sales of 4.5 to 4.7 million metric tons in 2025, with as the primary evaporation-based source. Processed potash is transported via a dedicated from Sodom to a railhead at Tzefa in the Mishor Rotem area for distribution, primarily to agricultural markets. Established with roots in a 1929 British Mandate concession and initial production starting in 1931, was nationalized post-1948 and integrated into ICL in 1975 during the consolidation of state-owned enterprises. The operation produces not only but also co-products like and industrial salts, supporting ICL's integrated minerals portfolio. A 1964 dam separating the northern and southern basins enhanced southern evaporation efficiency, funded partly by the World Bank. The current concession extends to March 31, 2030, with renewal priority, underscoring its strategic importance to Israel's mineral economy and global fertilizer supply.

Phosphate solutions and mining

ICL Group's Phosphate Solutions segment oversees the full phosphate value chain, from raw phosphate rock extraction to the production of specialty fertilizers, salts, and acids for agricultural, food, and industrial applications. This segment leverages mined phosphate rock and fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid as inputs to manufacture higher-value products, including phosphate-based fertilizers and industrial phosphates used in flame retardants, plasticizers, and performance enhancers. Phosphate mining is primarily conducted by ICL's , ICL Rotem, through operations in the Negev Desert of , targeting deposits at the Rotem and Zafir (Oron-Zin) fields under two concessions granted by the State of . These activities, ongoing for over 70 years, supply raw rock to processing facilities at the Rotem site, which produce approximately 1.8 million tonnes per annum of fertilizers and 540,000 tonnes per annum of P₂O₅ in fertilizer-grade . In September 2025, Israeli government ministers approved development of a new Negev mine to address depleting reserves at existing sites near , contingent on meeting stringent environmental and health conditions. Beyond , ICL integrates mining from operations in , supported by a 2014 joint venture with Yuntianhua involving up to $500 million investment for 50% ownership in a world-scale integrated facility. The segment's solutions emphasize efficient resource use, with mined rock processed into products like high-phosphorus fertilizers that enhance development and nutrient uptake. Recent initiatives include a signed with Namibia's LLNP to develop technology for extracting from marine deposits, aiming to produce downstream fertilizers.

Growing Solutions for agriculture

ICL's Growing Solutions division focuses on specialty products designed to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact through efficient delivery. This segment addresses agricultural challenges such as loss, soil degradation, and the need to sustain yields amid a growing global and finite . Products target major staple like , , and , which constitute approximately 50% of global food intake, by improving and resource use efficiency. Key offerings include controlled-release fertilizers that encapsulate nutrients for gradual release throughout the plant growth cycle, thereby reducing leaching, volatilization, and application frequency while boosting yields. The FertilizerpluS line incorporates sustainable enhancements for stronger crop and turf performance, complemented by water-soluble fertigation fertilizers for precision irrigation in greenhouses and fields, foliar sprays for rapid nutrient uptake, and granulated PK/NPK blends for pre-plant incorporation. Biostimulants, such as those in the Bioz range, promote stress resilience, root development, and produce quality without relying solely on traditional fertilizers. The division integrates AgTech innovations, including digital tools like nutrient deficiency guides, online fertilizer recommenders, and e-learning platforms to support data-driven farming decisions and optimize . In 2024, Growing Solutions expanded into biological s, generating over $250 million in new product sales to further advance regenerative practices and . Operations emphasize , with adherence to the Responsible Care Global Charter and GLOBAL G.A.P. standards, alongside a global network of production facilities and agronomic experts providing tailored advisory services.

Industrial Products and specialty chemicals

ICL Group Ltd.'s Industrial Products segment specializes in the extraction and transformation of minerals into advanced chemical compounds, primarily , phosphorus derivatives, and magnesium-based products, serving diverse sectors such as , , , and . The division leverages resources from the Dead Sea, including solution mining for recovery, to produce high-purity materials tailored for industrial applications. Bromine production forms the core of this segment, with ICL holding the position of the world's largest producer at approximately 280,000 metric tons annually, comprising 38% of global capacity. Extracted from brines through an efficient solution mining process, bromine and its compounds are used in biocides for microbial control in water systems, phase-transfer catalysts, agents for pharmaceuticals and fuels, and cleaning solvents like propyl for precision degreasing. Flame retardants represent a key application, where ICL develops bromine-based and -based solutions emphasizing and . Brominated products target automotive components, , paints, and textiles, while innovations like VeriQuel® R100—a reactive flame retardant introduced in December 2024—chemically bonds with matrices in rigid insulation to provide durable fire resistance with reduced environmental impact. Non-halogen alternatives, such as FR-20-100 derived from minerals, offer low-smoke options for polyolefins, PVC wiring, and roofing materials. Phosphorus compounds, including electronic-grade , , oxychloride, and , support electronics manufacturing with stringent purity standards, as well as for agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents. Functional fluids like Fyrquel® phosphate esters function as hydraulic and additives in power generation and industrial machinery. Magnesium products, produced with among the lowest CO2 emissions globally via processes like PrimeDSM, find uses in additives, deicing salts (e.g., Dead Sea MAG for paw-friendly winter safety), and metal processing. Additional offerings include specialty phosphates such as TKPP, SAPP, and TSPP for mining flotation in copper ore recovery, and pyro/polyphosphates for pulp, paper, and glass industries to enhance dispersion and durability. The segment also supplies bromine-halogenated butyl rubbers for conveyor belts and tank linings, prized for flame retardance and chemical resistance. These products underscore ICL's focus on circular economy principles, integrating resource efficiency and emissions control innovations like Merquel® mercury sorbents.

Key Products and Innovations

Polysulphate and polyhalite fertilizers

Polysulphate is ICL Group Ltd.'s branded multi-nutrient fertilizer derived from , a naturally occurring mineral consisting primarily of , , and . deposits, formed approximately 260 million years ago during the Permian period, are mined exclusively by ICL at the in , , making it the world's only commercial source of this mineral for fertilizer production. The mine, originally developed for extraction starting in 1973, shifted focus to following depletion of reserves, with structured production ramping up in the . ICL processes into granular at Boulby, achieving record outputs such as 1 million metric tons of material in 2023 and a quarterly peak of 267,000 metric tons in Q2 2023. Production capacity expansions have targeted up to 1.3 million tonnes annually by the mid-2020s, supported by regulatory approvals extending operations through 2048. The 's composition includes 48% SO₃ (), 14% K₂O (), 6% MgO (magnesium), and 17% CaO (calcium), all in form, providing a slow-release profile that minimizes nutrient leaching compared to synthetic alternatives. Field trials exceeding 700 worldwide have demonstrated Polysulphate's efficacy in enhancing crop yields, quality, and resilience across fruits, , potatoes, and , with benefits including improved , reduced content for salt-sensitive , and sustained nutrient availability. Its organic certifications, including listing and approvals for various international standards as of 2021, position it as a low-carbon-footprint option, with sourcing reducing transport emissions relative to imported fertilizers. ICL markets Polysulphate as a sustainable alternative supporting , though its effectiveness depends on soil type and crop needs, with no universal superiority over blended fertilizers established in peer-reviewed comparisons.

Lithium iron phosphate and energy materials

ICL Group Ltd leverages its expertise in phosphate chemistry to supply specialty salts and acids used as precursors in the production of (LFP) cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. These materials are critical for synthesizing LiFePO4, valued for its thermal stability, long cycle life, and lower cost compared to nickel-manganese-cobalt alternatives, making LFP suitable for electric vehicles and systems. In 2023, ICL positioned itself as one of the largest global suppliers of processed materials to LFP battery manufacturers, drawing on its established production capabilities from industrial phosphates. To vertically integrate into active material (CAM) production, ICL announced a $400 million investment in October 2022 for a facility in , , aimed at establishing a domestic U.S. for LFP, with initial production targeted for 2025 and capacity to support over 1 million electric vehicles annually. Construction broke ground in 2023, but in October 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy discontinued federal funding for the project, leading to a 5.3% drop in ICL's stock price amid investor concerns over costs and timelines. Despite this, ICL reaffirmed commitment to the site in November 2024 announcements, projecting over 150 permanent jobs and $500 million in total investment for large-scale LFP CAM output. In , ICL formed a joint venture with China's Shenzhen Dynanonic in January 2025 to manufacture LFP cathode materials, capitalizing on Dynanonic's 2023 output of 213,400 metric tons of LFP precursors and expertise in high-purity iron phosphate. This partnership addresses supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted by U.S. policy shifts toward onshoring critical minerals. Complementing these efforts, ICL partnered with Fluor in September 2024 to supply lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) for LFP electrolytes, enhancing battery performance in North American applications where the lithium-ion sector is projected to grow over 30% annually through 2030. Beyond LFP, ICL develops bromine-based flow batteries and solid-state electrolytes, but phosphate-derived LFP remains central to its energy materials strategy.

White phosphorus applications

ICL Group Ltd. produces white phosphorus through its subsidiary ICL Specialty Products Inc., which supplies the elemental form (P4) primarily for incorporation into military munitions. This highly reactive allotrope of phosphorus ignites spontaneously in air, enabling its use in applications requiring rapid combustion for generation or incendiary effects. The company's white phosphorus is delivered to the Army's for filling artillery projectiles, such as 155mm cartridges in the M825 series, where it disperses to form dense, persistent clouds for obscuring , signaling, or target marking during operations. For instance, under U.S. Army contract W52P1J20D3006, ICL-IP America, a related entity, provided 180,000 pounds of white phosphorus in 2020–2022 to support arsenal production needs. These munitions leverage white phosphorus's property of burning at temperatures exceeding 2,700°C while releasing particles that effectively scatter light and block detection. In addition to smoke-producing roles, ICL-supplied white phosphorus contributes to incendiary payloads in certain ordnance, where controlled dissemination ignites fuels or materials upon exposure to oxygen, though such uses are subject to operational protocols distinguishing them from prohibited chemical agents. ICL's production stems from its rock processing capabilities, reducing phosphates via carbon in furnaces to yield the vapor that condenses into white phosphorus, positioning the company as a strategic supplier in defense supply chains since at least the mid-2000s.

Financial Performance

ICL Group's revenue experienced significant volatility from 2020 to 2024, driven by fluctuations in global fertilizer prices, particularly for and phosphates, amid supply disruptions and geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Annual sales rose from $5.043 billion in 2020 to a peak of $10.015 billion in 2022, reflecting elevated demand and pricing for commodities, before declining to $7.536 billion in 2023 and $6.841 billion in 2024 as prices normalized. In the first half of 2025, trailing twelve-month stood at approximately $6.95 billion, indicating stabilization but remaining below peak levels.
YearRevenue ($ billions)Net Income ($ millions)
20205.043Not specified in primary sources
20216.955Not specified in primary sources
202210.015Not specified in primary sources
20237.536647
20246.841407
Profitability metrics reflected similar pressures, with adjusted EBITDA falling from $1.754 billion in 2023 to $1.469 billion in 2024, yielding margins that compressed amid higher input costs and softer product prices despite cost-control measures. Net profit margins averaged around 5.3% over recent years, with a of 6.7%, underscoring resilience in core operations but vulnerability to cycles. Gross margins held steady at approximately 32% in 2024 and early 2025, supported by operational efficiencies in and specialty products segments. Operating margins stood at 10.63%, while overall profitability benefited from diversified revenue streams beyond basic fertilizers. In Q1 2025, adjusted operating income reached $208 million on $1.8 billion in sales, demonstrating quarter-over-quarter stability despite seasonal factors.

Market position and investments

ICL Group maintains a leading position in the global specialty minerals and fertilizers industry, operating across , solutions, growing solutions for , and industrial products segments. The company holds approximately 7% of the global market share, positioning it among the most competitive suppliers through efficient production from strategic assets that enable cost advantages and supply flexibility. In specialty phosphates, ICL commands a 24% in key target markets, focusing on value-added products for food, , and industrial applications derived from its rock and operations. The firm's market strength derives from its vertically integrated value chains, resource base in bromine, potash, and phosphates, and emphasis on specialty products amid commodity price volatility. Competitors include major fertilizer producers like and in potash and phosphates, as well as specialty chemical firms in niche segments, but ICL differentiates through innovation in controlled-release fertilizers and sustainable solutions. Its global export orientation, with operations in over 30 countries, supports resilience, though exposure to geopolitical factors in affects perceptions of supply reliability. To bolster its position, ICL has pursued targeted investments and acquisitions emphasizing specialty agriculture and emerging materials. In July 2024, it acquired Custom Ag Formulators, a North American provider of customized liquid fertilizers, enhancing its specialty plant nutrition footprint and contributing to volume growth in subsequent quarters. Also in 2024, ICL acquired a biologicals solutions company in Brazil to expand its portfolio in sustainable crop inputs, alongside investments in precision agriculture technologies such as the acquisition of U.S.-based Growers Holdings, Inc. These moves align with a strategy to grow higher-margin specialties, with the company executing multiple acquisitions in 2024 and 2025 to capture biologicals and fertigation markets in high-growth regions like Brazil and North America. Additionally, ICL invested in lithium iron phosphate manufacturing capabilities, including a new facility in St. Louis initiated in 2023, to enter energy storage materials amid rising demand for battery precursors.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Emission reductions and ESG initiatives

ICL Group has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 relative to its 2018 baseline, alongside achieving 50% usage in its operations and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2023, the company achieved a 4.94% year-over-year reduction in these emissions, contributing to a cumulative 22.2% decline since 2018, through measures including energy efficiency projects and process optimizations. To align with science-based standards, ICL submitted its emission reduction targets for validation to the (SBTi) in 2023. Broader ESG initiatives encompass beyond emissions, such as advancing water usage efficiency and waste minimization, with the company reporting progress in its annual Corporate Responsibility reports. In governance and social areas, ICL emphasizes workforce diversity, ethical practices, and , earning a Platinum+ ranking in the 2024 Maala ESG Index for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting strong performance across environmental, social, and governance criteria as assessed by the Israeli sustainability rating organization. The company's efforts also include alignment with , particularly those related to (SDG 13), clean water (SDG 6), and zero hunger (SDG 2), integrated into its operational strategies.

Resource management and circular economy efforts

ICL Group Ltd. emphasizes principles through its operations, prioritizing waste prevention, reduction, , and recovery to minimize resource depletion and environmental impact. The company employs a five-tier hierarchy aligned with ISO 14001 standards, integrating these practices across its global facilities, including , , and production sites. In 2023, ICL reported a 17% reduction in generation to 23.9 thousand tonnes, with 70% directed to and 17% to or , alongside a 10% decrease in hazardous waste compared to 2022. Non-hazardous at facilities like ICL Rotem saw a 30% reduction in the same year. Key initiatives include recycling programs such as Puraloop®, which converts sewage sludge ash and organic waste into high-quality fertilizers, reducing dependence on virgin rock and closing loops. Complementing this, the Pearl® technology incorporates recycled into products like Sierrablen Plus®, launched in 2023, supporting by reclaiming finite resources from wastewater streams. By-product utilization forms a core element, with surplus salt from operations repurposed into a 33-kilometer, 3-meter-high security barrier and applied for mine rehabilitation, processing 14 million tonnes in 2023 at sites like YPH in . At the Works facility, dedicated teams focus on implementation, waste minimization, and green procurement, piloting projects such as metal parts recycling with Ordan Industries to divert materials from disposal. Resource management efforts extend to water and energy efficiency, with 8.6 million cubic meters recycled or reused in 2023 and lowered to 4,832 GJ per million USD revenue, aided by programs like the Absolute Cost Efficiency () initiative, which generated $75 million in savings through waste avoidance. The Better Ideas Generation (BIG) program has processed over 2,000 ideas since 2020, launching 883 projects that contribute $400 million annually in operating income via efficiency gains. ICL has set targets including a 3% annual reduction in and 2% in waste from a 2022 baseline, alongside a 50% cut in nutrient losses by 2030 using technologies like eqo.x for precision application. Additional collaborations, such as the PolyStyrene LOOP project in the for reclamation from foam, underscore efforts to extend material lifecycles in industrial applications.
Metric2023 AchievementTarget
Reduction17% (23.9K tonnes) vs. 20223% annual from 2022 baseline
Waste Reduction10% hazardous; overall progress via 2% annual from 2022 baseline
Water /8.6M m³Ongoing improvements
Nutrient Loss ReductionSupported by eqo.x tech rollout50% by 2030

Controversies

Environmental pollution and Dead Sea effects

ICL Group's operations involve extracting minerals such as and magnesium through evaporation ponds, which contribute to the 's water level decline by pumping seawater for processing. The 's level has been dropping at an average rate of approximately 1-1.15 meters per year, primarily due to reduced freshwater inflows from the caused by upstream diversions for agriculture and urban use, though industrial pumping exacerbates the issue. ICL maintains that halting its operations would reduce the annual decline to about 85 cm, attributing the majority to hydrological imbalances beyond its control. The receding water levels have exposed underground salt layers to freshwater dissolution, leading to the formation of thousands of sinkholes along the Dead Sea shores, posing risks to , , and human safety. These geological hazards are concentrated near industrial sites, including ICL's facilities, where evaporation ponds and management practices accelerate subsurface instability. Ecosystem damage includes loss of hypersaline habitats, reduced , and threats to endemic species, with the shrinking volume concentrating pollutants and altering microbial communities. ICL's brine discharges, resulting from , are returned to the Dead Sea or nearby under regulatory oversight, but have raised concerns over hypersalinity impacts on downstream ecosystems. A notable incident occurred in 2017 when an acid spill from ICL's nearby Rotem plant contaminated Ashalim Creek, killing fish and vegetation and prompting a record fine of 42 million shekels ($12.7 million) in 2022 for environmental violations. waste from production accumulates at a rate of 0.2 meters per year across 140 km² of ponds in and , potentially leaching salts and contributing to long-term and salinization. Environmental advocacy groups have criticized these practices for prioritizing extraction over conservation, urging stricter concessions to mitigate further degradation ahead of ICL's license renewal.

Product safety and ethical concerns

In 2004, an at ICL Plastics' Grovepark Mills facility in , , killed nine workers and injured more than 33 others, highlighting significant safety lapses in handling combustible materials during production processes. A subsequent government inquiry identified failures in , maintenance, and emergency response as contributing factors, leading to stricter regulatory oversight and industry-wide recommendations for safety. ICL implemented enhanced safety protocols post-incident, including the adoption of "Safety First" processes and operative risk management systems across its operations. Workplace safety incidents persisted despite these measures. In January 2018, a contractor fatality occurred at ICL's YPH facility in , attributed to operational hazards, prompting further internal reviews and training programs. In March 2023, three underground workers died in a mine collapse at an ICL-associated operation, underscoring ongoing risks in resource extraction activities. More recently, in August 2025, a contained substance release at ICL's plant raised local concerns but did not result in off-site impacts or injuries. For end-user product safety, ICL's phosphate-based fertilizers and food additives carry inherent risks such as potential heavy metal impurities like , though the company has developed low-contaminant alternatives like Crystal Green, which minimizes such elements through nutrient recovery processes. No major product recalls have been documented, but ICL's SEC filings repeatedly warn of vulnerabilities to liability claims or recalls stemming from issues, including contamination or illness linked to phosphates in and processing. Safety data sheets for products like Nova PK emphasize hazards such as toxic emissions during fires, requiring strict handling protocols. Ethical concerns have centered on ICL's supply of , a highly reactive chemical with dual-use potential in civilian applications like and munitions, drawing scrutiny for enabling incendiary weapons criticized under . Activist reports and exclusion lists from ethical funds cite ICL's role, with initial company denials of weapons involvement contradicted by data. Internally, a 2016 executive departure amid allegations raised questions about and ethical oversight, though no formal charges resulted. ICL maintains supplier codes prohibiting forced labor and abuses, with annual modern slavery statements affirming no identified violations in its chain.

References

  1. https://www.icl-group.com/
  2. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/
  3. https://www.icl-group.com/about-us/
  4. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/icl-celebrating-100-years-of-history-and-innovation/
  5. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/ICL-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2024-Results/default.aspx
  6. https://www.icl-uk.uk/iclhistory/
  7. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/israel-chemicals-ltd-history/
  8. https://www.aiche.org/resources/publications/cep/2015/october/israels-chemicals-industry-desert-dead-sea
  9. https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-dead-sea-museum-chemical-firm-evokes-past-pioneers-as-it-bids-to-keep-mining/
  10. https://www.biblewalks.com/deadseaworks/
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1952/01/03/archives/chemical-industry-mapped-by-israel-revival-of-dead-sea-potash-works.html
  12. https://rosenhebrewschool.com/articles/dead-sea-works/
  13. https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-has-failed-for-years-to-properly-manage-dead-sea-works-comptroller-report/
  14. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/941221/000117891322000767/zk2227317.htm
  15. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ICL/
  16. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Accelerating-Biologicals-Portfolio-Growth-in-Brazil-with-Strategic-Acquisition/default.aspx
  17. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Continues-Expanding-Its-Specialty-Plant-Nutrition-Footprint-in-North-America/default.aspx
  18. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Continues-Global-Specialty-Fertilizers-Expansion-With-170-Million-Distribution-Agreement-in-China/default.aspx
  19. https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/icl-group-creating-more-150-jobs-st-louis
  20. https://dcfmodeling.com/blogs/history/icl-history-mission-ownership
  21. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/icl-dead-sea-israel/
  22. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Results/default.aspx
  23. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/stage-4-logistics-distribution/
  24. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/what-is-phosphate/
  25. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/our-business/
  26. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/icl-rotem-israel/
  27. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/icls-value-chain/
  28. http://www.sulphuric-acid.com/sulphuric-acid-on-the-web/acid%2520plants/Rotem%2520Amfert%2520Negev.htm
  29. https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-approve-negev-phosphate-mine-but-accept-conditions-that-could-stop-it-opening/
  30. https://investors.icl-group.com/files/doc_news/2014/Press-release-Strategic-Alliance-with-Yunnan-Yuntianhua-December-16-2014.pdf
  31. https://icl-growingsolutions.com/en-us/agriculture/brands/phosphates/
  32. https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---16539.htm
  33. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/agriculture/
  34. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/agriculture/controlled-release-fertilizers/
  35. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/agriculture/biostimulants/
  36. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/agtech/
  37. https://upstream.ag/p/2024-agribusiness-earning-results-highlights
  38. https://icl-growingsolutions.com/
  39. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/industrial/
  40. https://icl-industrialproducts.com/
  41. https://icl-industrialproducts.com/about/
  42. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/industrial/chemical-compouds-industrial-applications/
  43. https://www.icl-group.com/our-business/sustainable-flame-retardants/
  44. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Unveils-Breakthrough-in-Flame-Retardant-Technology/default.aspx
  45. https://icl-industrialproducts.com/products/fr-20-100-magnesium-hydroxide-flame-retardant/
  46. https://www.icl-group.com/innovation/open-innovation/novel-materials/
  47. https://icl-growingsolutions.com/agriculture/categories/polysulphate-polyhalite-based-fertilizers/
  48. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/rock-to-fork-polysulphate-fertilizer-improves-quality-of-food/
  49. https://www.icl-uk.uk/history-2/
  50. https://icl-growingsolutions.com/en-us/agriculture/news-and-events/boulby-mine-producing-omri-approved-polyhalite-for-sustainable-agriculture/
  51. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2021/ICL-Boulby-Application-to-Continue-Mining-and-Production-of-Polyhalite-Approved-Through-2048/default.aspx
  52. https://www.icl-uk.uk/public-consultation/the-mine-today/
  53. https://israelagri.com/polysulphate-a-unique-natural-multi-nutrient-fertilizer-for-fruits-and-vegetables/
  54. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2021/ICLs-Polysulphate-Fertilizer-Receives-Additional-Organic-Certifications/default.aspx
  55. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/what-is-polysulphate/
  56. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/energy-storage-innovations/
  57. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/lfp-batteries-key-to-energy-revolution-part-1/
  58. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2022/ICL-to-Lead-Efforts-in-U.S.-to-Develop-Sustainable-Supply-Chain-for-Energy-Storage-Solutions-with-400-Million-Investment-in-New-Lithium-Iron-Phosphate-Manufacturing-Capabilities/default.aspx
  59. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cen-10127-buscon10
  60. https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/how-investors-are-reacting-to-icl-group-icl-losing-us-funding-for-its-battery-materials-project-2025-10-13
  61. https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/icl-group-to-build-half-billion-dollar-battery-plant-in-north-st-louis/
  62. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/ICL-Signs-Strategic-Agreement-with-Dynanonic-to-Produce-Lithium-Iron-Phosphate-for-European-Battery-Market/default.aspx
  63. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Expands-Further-into-North-American-Energy-Storage-Supply-Chain-by-Partnering-with-Orbia-Fluor--Energy-Materials/default.aspx
  64. https://www.gao.gov/products/b-418687
  65. https://nzsuperfund.nz/public/assets/Disclosures/Official-Information-Act-Requests/OIA-2018-19/OIA-Response-Israeli-Investments-Appendix-I.pdf
  66. https://www.highergov.com/idv/W52P1J20D3006/
  67. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-01/ethical-super-savings-found-in-controversial-weapons-makers-/104015686
  68. https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/ICL/icl-group/revenue
  69. https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/icl/revenue/
  70. https://simplywall.st/stocks/il/materials/tase-icl/icl-group-shares/past
  71. https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/icl/statistics/
  72. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/ICL-Reports-First-Quarter-2025-Results/default.aspx
  73. https://investors.icl-group.com/
  74. https://2021.icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/our-business/
  75. https://pestel-analysis.com/blogs/competitors/icl-group
  76. https://markets.ft.com/data/equities/tearsheet/profile?s=ICL:TLV
  77. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240729313286/en/ICL-Continues-Expanding-Its-Specialty-Plant-Nutrition-Footprint-in-North-America
  78. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/941221/000117891325000821/zk2532797.htm
  79. https://www.icl-group.com/media-hub-pr/
  80. https://tracxn.com/d/acquisitions/acquisitions-by-icl/__qcZaqHGUuqAeKDzSvTV0oxFztABjZRB2GS11iv7hqHM
  81. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/goals-performance/
  82. https://www.smartenergydecisions.com/news/icl-sets-2050-goals/
  83. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/highlights-from-icl-2023-esg-report/
  84. https://www.icl-group.com/sustainability/environmental-responsibility/corporate-carbon-footprint/
  85. https://investors.icl-group.com/reports-news-and-events/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/ICL-Publishes-Annual-Corporate-Responsibility-ESG-Report/default.aspx
  86. https://www.icl-group.com/sustainability/
  87. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/aligning-with-sdgs-in-icl-a-commitment-to-sustainable-growth/
  88. https://www.icl-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ICL-Corporate-responsibility-ESG-Report-2023.pdf
  89. https://www.icl-group.com/blog/how-icl-is-closing-the-loop-on-waste-and-recycling/
  90. https://aseed.net/a-closer-look-at-israeli-company-icl/
  91. https://www.timesofisrael.com/authorities-urged-to-immediately-stabilize-dead-sea-levels/
  92. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/dead-sea-water-level/
  93. https://2021.icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/dead-sea-water-level/
  94. https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2022/12/11/1139524126/photos-dead-sea-water-level-dropping-sinkholes-erosion
  95. https://ecopeaceme.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MH-Dead-Sea-Concessions-Report-Rev-7-4-21.docx-Google-Docs.pdf
  96. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c01197
  97. https://icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/restoring-natural-resources/
  98. https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/r1md0rods
  99. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10249354/
  100. https://www.timesofisrael.com/state-should-include-stricter-requirements-in-new-tender-to-mine-dead-sea-lawyers/
  101. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a75a817ed915d506ee807db/0838.pdf
  102. https://www.responsibilityreports.com/HostedData/ResponsibilityReportArchive/i/NYSE_ICL_2010.pdf
  103. https://2018.icl-group-sustainability.com/reports/health-safety/
  104. https://www.amsj.com.au/underground-workers-die-in-mine-collapse/
  105. https://www.wsaz.com/2025/08/20/substance-released-icl-plant-mason-county/
  106. https://www.ostara.com/partners-with-icl-specialty-fertilizers/
  107. https://multisite-assets.icl-growingsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/10/15111748/FDS-Nova-PK88-EN-28680325.pdf
  108. https://www.thenation.com/article/economy/esg-funds-gaza-weapons-manufacturers/
  109. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/2016-09-11/ty-article/israel-chemicals-ceo-leaves-troubled-company/0000017f-f540-ddde-abff-fd65b5130000
  110. https://iclgroupv2.s3.amazonaws.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/ICL-UK-Sales-Modern-Slavery-Report-2022.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.