Origins of Phosphate
So, where does phosphate actually come from? It all starts deep within the Earth. Phosphate rock forms over millions of years through natural geological processes. These rocks are rich in phosphorus, a naturally occurring element that’s essential for life. Most phosphate deposits were formed from ancient marine sediments, basically, the remains of sea creatures that settled on the ocean floor and eventually turned into rock. Today, we mine these phosphate-rich rocks to help grow the food we all depend on.
Why is Phosphate an Important Resource
Phosphate might not be something you think about every day, but it plays a huge role in our lives, especially in agriculture. Plants need phosphorus to grow strong roots, produce flowers and fruit, and resist disease. Without it, crop yields would drop dramatically. That’s why phosphate-based fertilizers are so important they help farmers grow the food that feeds the world. In short, phosphate is a key ingredient in global food security.
Simplot Mines
At the J.R. Simplot Company, we’re proud to operate two major phosphate mines, one in Smoky Canyon, located in Caribou County, Idaho, and another in Vernal, Utah. Together, these mines produce over 3 million tons of phosphate ore every year.
We take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Our mining operations follow strict guidelines set by federal, state, and local environmental agencies. It’s all about balancing productivity with sustainability.
Turning Phosphate Rock Into Fertilizer
Every great fertilizer starts with great raw materials. For us at Simplot, it begins with high-quality phosphate ore. Our teams carefully identify where the phosphate is located, then use best-in-class practices and innovative techniques to extract it.
Once we’ve pinpointed the ore, we use controlled blasting to loosen the surrounding material. Bulldozers then clear away the excess, giving us access to the valuable phosphate rock. From there, massive trucks, each capable of carrying up to 150 tons, haul the ore away.
Next, the ore is crushed, washed, and ground into fine particles. We mix it with water to create a slurry, which is then pumped through pressurized pipelines, sometimes traveling up to 90 miles to our manufacturing facilities.
At the plant, the slurry undergoes a series of processes and daily quality checks to transform it into a liquid phosphate fertilizer that meets our high standards. Once it’s ready, we load it onto trains or trucks and deliver it to our customers.
What Happens After Mining
Mining is just one part of the story. At Simplot, we’re committed to restoring the land once the phosphate has been extracted. That means reclaiming mined areas as we go, placing protective soil covers, planting native vegetation, and enhancing nearby habitats.
We also work closely with the U.S. Forest Service to choose the right mix of plants and grasses to reseed the land. Our goal is to return the area to a natural, stable state that supports local wildlife. It’s all part of our long-term commitment to sustainability by bringing the Earth’s resources to life while giving back to the land.
