Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) (OTCQB: NOPFF) announced on January 12 that assay results from its Murdock Mountain project in northeast Nevada demonstrate heavy metal contaminant levels well below thresholds typically applied by certifying bodies for organic fertilizer certification. The results, based on independent laboratory testing following ISO-accredited and NI 43-101–aligned QA/QC protocols, confirm that the phosphate-bearing rock from the Upper Phosphatic Zone meets the contaminant criteria required under USDA National Organic Program (USDA-NOP) standards (https://ibn.fm/DSelU).
For organic producers in the U.S., certification is critical for market access, and mineral fertilizers such as rock phosphate must comply with USDA-NOP rules, which restrict synthetic additives and set limits on heavy metals. While the USDA-NOP does not publish explicit numeric thresholds for heavy metals in mineral fertilizers, certifiers typically reference guidelines from organizations like the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) or state-level regulations. The Murdock Mountain assays showed levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and other contaminants far below common limits, indicating that the phosphate could qualify for organic certification.
Murdock Mountain is a rare sedimentary phosphate deposit in North America suitable for direct application, meaning it can be applied to soil without chemical processing. This characteristic aligns with organic farming principles that prioritize natural inputs. The company noted that ongoing drilling is planned to further define the scale and continuity of the resource, which could supply the growing organic agriculture sector.
The significance of these results extends beyond the company. The U.S. organic food market has grown steadily, with sales surpassing $60 billion in recent years, according to industry data. Organic farmers require approved fertilizers, and domestic sources of certified organic phosphate are limited. If Murdock Mountain achieves certification, it could reduce reliance on imported rock phosphate, which often comes from regions with less stringent environmental and labor standards.
Nevada Organic Phosphate is a Canadian-based leader in organic sedimentary phosphate exploration. The company’s focus on environmentally sustainable mining practices and direct-application products positions it to capitalize on the increasing demand for organic inputs. The assays also confirm consistency of phosphate grades and thickness in the Upper Phosphatic Zone, supporting the deposit's potential economic viability.
Investors and stakeholders can access the full news release and additional updates on the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NOP.
