<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0WlZbY_1GpsC2n400" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0WlZbY_1GpsC2n400" width="1174" height="660" >Fertilizer giant Nutrien plans to close its White Springs phosphate operation in 2027 as rising costs and dwindling economically recoverable mineral reserves make the facility increasingly expensive to operate. State Rep. Jason Shoaf calls the decision devastating and says $8 million has been committed to help workers and the community.HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. — One of Hamilton County's major industrial operations is preparing to shut down, threatening jobs, family incomes and the economic stability of a rural North Florida community.Nutrien announced Wednesday that it will close its White Springs phosphate facility during the second quarter of 2027, ending operations as the company shifts resources toward more profitable assets.The decision follows a sweeping review of Nutrien's phosphate business and comes amid rising production costs, expensive raw materials and dwindling economically recoverable phosphate reserves.State Rep. Jason Shoaf called the announcement "devastating news for the workers and families who have built their lives around it, and for the entire Hamilton County community."Why Nutrien is closing White SpringsIn its Nov. 4 earnings announcement, Nutrien said the White Springs mine is approaching the end of its economically recoverable reserve life, making continued operations increasingly costly.The company cited rising operating expenses and growing capital requirements.The broader phosphate industry is also struggling with elevated sulfur prices, a critical expense in fertilizer production.The financial numbers reveal why Nutrien is pulling the plug.White Springs is expected to account for approximately 20% of Nutrien's phosphate sales in 2026, but 28% of the segment's cost of goods sold.Nutrien expects the shutdown to reduce annual sustaining capital expenditures and lease payments by approximately $50 million.The company also expects the closure to improve earnings and cash flow, even after accounting for lost sales and shutdown-related costs.Jobs, families and the local economy at riskFor Hamilton County, the consequences extend far beyond the plant gates.The closure threatens employees, contractors and businesses that depend on industrial operations and spending by plant workers.Nutrien has not specified in the supplied financial report how many employees will lose their jobs or whether some could transfer to other facilities.The company expects to incur severance and other shutdown expenses.Shoaf said the company has committed $8 million to help ease the transition."I'm encouraged to hear Nutrien will commit $8 million to community investment, employee support and economic development to help ease this transition," Shoaf wrote on Facebook.The lawmaker said efforts are already underway to attract replacement jobs."My team is already working with the Florida Department of Commerce to identify opportunities to bring new jobs and income to families in the region, and we will keep pushing until this community is back on solid footing."The announcement did not specify how the $8 million would be distributed or how much would go directly to displaced workers.A $430 million facility facing shutdownNutrien's financial disclosures reveal the magnitude of the decision.The company reported that White Springs had approximately $430 million in assets subject to impairment assessment as of Sept. 30.Nutrien expects to recognize expenses in the fourth quarter of 2026, including noncash asset impairment charges.Those charges reflect the company's reassessment of the facility's value as it prepares to close.The company has not provided a detailed timeline for workforce reductions, environmental reclamation or the site's long-term future.How the closure fits Nutrien's bigger business strategyWhile White Springs faces shutdown, Nutrien's overall business remains substantial.The Canadian fertilizer giant reported $1.65 billion in net earnings during the first nine months of 2026, with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $4.85 billion.It also returned approximately $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases during that period.But its phosphate division has struggled.Nutrien phosphate division — adjusted EBITDA<ul><li>First nine months of 2025 $275M</li><li>First nine months of 2026 $88M</li></ul>A 68% decline, according to Nutrien's third-quarter financial report. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP earnings measure.Nutrien plans to retain its Aurora phosphate operation in North Carolina and its integrated processing facilities, concentrating investment on assets the company believes offer stronger long-term returns.The company said it received interest and nonbinding bids during its strategic review but determined those proposals did not adequately reflect the value of the assets.The decision is part of a broader corporate strategy to simplify operations, reduce costs and increase cash returns to shareholders.For investors, closing White Springs is expected to improve profitability. For Hamilton County, it means losing an important industrial operation and confronting an uncertain economic future.Hamilton County faces an uncertain futureShoaf says state officials are working to identify new employers and economic development opportunities before the shutdown takes effect.But significant questions remain about how many jobs will disappear, what assistance workers will receive and whether replacement industries can be recruited quickly enough.Nutrien expects to save millions by closing White Springs. Hamilton County now faces the much harder task of replacing the jobs, income and economic activity the plant has provided.The facility is scheduled to cease operations between April and June 2027.</div></body>

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HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. — One of Hamilton County's major industrial operations is preparing to shut down, threatening jobs, family incomes and the economic stability of a rural North Florida community. Nutrien announced Wednesday that it will close its White Springs phosphate facility during the second quarter of 2027, ending...

'Devastating': Nutrien to shut down White Springs phosphate plant

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HAMILTON COUNTY, Fla. — One of Hamilton County's major industrial operations is preparing to shut down, threatening jobs, family incomes and the economic s

'Devastating': Nutrien to shut down White Springs phosphate plant

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