Follow the Money: The Podcast The dark side of Morocco's mining boom
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Nov 12, 2025 Manon Stravens, an investigative journalist, exposes the dark underbelly of Morocco's phosphate industry, focusing on the state-owned giant OCP. She discusses environmental and health hazards due to pollution, including toxic emissions and a shocking rate of dental fluorosis in local communities. Manon recounts her harrowing experiences while reporting, including surveillance and security threats. The podcast also highlights the tension between Morocco's economic role in global markets and the humanitarian costs borne by its people.
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OCP's Global Power Masks Local Harm
- OCP is a Moroccan state company that dominates global fertilizer production and controls a huge share of phosphate reserves.
- Manon Stravens found a darker reality of pollution, health harm, and impoverished communities around its operations.
Intimidation During Field Reporting
- While reporting in Safi, Manon experienced intimidation including being moved between cars and a night in a dirty house with dogs.
- She suspected surveillance after seeing her laptop cursor move and contacted her embassy for help.
Radioactive Waste Dumped At Sea
- Producing phosphoric acid generates large volumes of radioactive phosphogypsum waste containing uranium and radium.
- Morocco dumps about 40 million tons a year in the sea and is one of the few countries still permitting ocean disposal.