TUNIS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia produced only 160,000 tons of phosphates in the first 20 days in 2018, against 500,000 tons of the same period of last year, state-run Gafsa Phosphates Company (CPG) said on Monday.

CPG, specialized in exploitation of phosphates deposits in Tunisia, warns the situation would develop towards deterioration because of the paralysis of the mining activity in the basin of Gafsa in southwest Tunisia.

"The activities of various establishments and companies operating in the phosphates sector are suspended in the localities of Redeyef, Medhila and Boulares, following sit-ins and protests for social demands," declared Ali Houchati, the communications head of CPG.

"These disturbances were triggered immediately after a recruitment contest of 1,700 CPG agents was announced on Jan. 20. Many protesters, sometimes accompanied by their relatives, block phosphates production and extraction sites," said Ali.

Other demonstrators, having failed the contest, proceeded to block directions that lead to maintenance and supply depots, research centers as well as phosphates transport stations to the Chemical Group of Tunisia.

Since 2011, CPG's annual production has not exceeded 5 million tons, against 8 million tons for the year 2010. Enditem