During the period April 1st to July 14th 1964, the writer was privileged to visit overseas a number of important non-metallic mineral deposits including most of the world's major phosphate deposits. In the United States inspections were made of the western phosphate field in south eastern Idaho, of the Florida land pebble field and of the brown and blue rock deposits of Tennessee. In north Carolina, exploration activities, at a deposit not yet exploited but which has enormous potential, were studied. While in Israel opportunity was taken to inspect the Negev phosphate deposits which are considered to be typical of those of the Middle East - North Africa area. The occurrence, exploration and exploitation of phosphate was discussed with company personnel at the above localities and with Geological Survey personnel where possible. This report describes the various occurrences inspected and incorporates some general data relevant to phosphate occurrence, production and origin with recommendations for exploration in this country. Appropriate references are listed in the relevant sections while several general references are given. These have been drawn on and freely quoted in this report to augment detailed information gleaned elsewhere.