What mineral has historically dominated Nauru's economy?

Phosphate has historically dominated Nauru’s economy, transforming the tiny Pacific island before mining left a severe environmental legacy.

Nauru’s phosphate deposits formed largely from accumulated seabird guano. Commercial interest grew after the deposits were identified in the late 19th century, and large-scale mining began during the colonial period. The ore was highly valuable as a fertilizer ingredient, making Nauru one of the world’s major phosphate-producing islands.

After Nauru became independent in 1968, phosphate revenues brought extraordinary wealth for a time. The government bought the phosphate industry in 1970, and income from mining helped give Nauru exceptionally high GDP per person during the early independence era. Much of the island’s central plateau was eventually strip-mined, leaving exposed limestone pinnacles and damaged land.

Phosphate reserves were largely exhausted by the end of the 20th century, so Nauru later sought income from fishing-rights licensing, aid, and other services. Nickel, bauxite, and gold have not played the same defining role in Nauru’s economic history.