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Why were phosphate deposits mined on Nauru and Banaba?

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Map of the Pacific Islands region showing political boundaries, major island groups, and countries such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, French Polynesia, and Kiribati. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation and ocean depth, with key islands and capitals labeled throughout the central and southwestern Pacific Ocean.
Pacific Islands

Phosphate deposits on Nauru and Banaba were mined primarily because they were a high-quality source of phosphate, a critical component in the production of fertilizers used in agriculture.12

The extraction of this resource was driven by the global demand for phosphorus-based products. Once mined, phosphate rock is typically treated with acids—such as sulfuric acid—to create soluble forms like superphosphate, which are essential for enhancing soil fertility and supporting crop growth.1

For much of the 20th century, the mining operations on these islands were managed by foreign interests, including a joint enterprise involving the British, Australian, and New Zealand governments. This industry became the dominant economic force for both islands, serving as their primary resource and sole export for decades. However, the intensive mining processes led to significant environmental devastation on both islands, eventually necessitating the relocation of the Banaban population and leaving Nauru to face severe economic challenges following the depletion of its primary deposits.234