FAQs

The questions we are often asked about phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing cover a broad range of topics - from what phosphate is to what plans Mosaic has for future mining. We hope your questions are among these we are frequently asked

Why does Mosaic want to expand its mining operations in Florida?

What are Mosaic’s proposed plans for mining in south-central Florida?

Will Mosaic need to use additional water for its new and extended mines?

What does the IWUP Water Conservation Plan entail?

Is water quality monitored at mine sites?

Will mining along Horse Creek hurt the water quality of the creek?

How do mine sites use water?

Will Mosaic’s proposed extension of its mines keep rainfall from reaching the Peace River?

How has mining affected the Peace River flow?

How does mining and clay settling areas affect base flow?

Is mining detrimental to the health of surrounding wetlands and floodplains?

How do fertilizer manufacturing plants use water?

How important is phosphate to Florida's economy?

Are phosphate companies required to be financially responsible?

How was phosphate formed?

How is phosphate used?

How is phosphate recovered?

Isn’t phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing the same thing?

Why do we need commercial fertilizers?

How does phosphate rock become fertilizer?

Can’t we use organic fertilizer or sludge instead of mining for phosphate?

Is water quality monitored at mine sites?

Why are clay settling areas important to mining operations?

Are clay settling areas dangerous?

Does mining make drinking water radioactive and increase the risk of cancer?

Does phosphate mining involve the addition of radioactive material?

Does someone measure phosphate mine radiation?

Is living on or near reclaimed land harmful to someone's health?

Does Mosaic currently conduct ambient air monitoring at its mines and what do you do about dust?

Is the health of employees & residents in phosphate regions at risk due to radioactivity?

What about that draft study claiming the Tenoroc Fish Management Area is dangerous to humans?

Are phosphate operations in Florida are causing red tide?

Does phosphate mining permanently disfigure the land?

Why don’t you reclaim the land so it can be useful again?

What are some of Mosaic’s reclamation projects?

What about reclaiming old clay settling areas?

What is phosphogypsum?

How is phosphogypsum stored?

Once they’ve reached their permitted size, how are gypsum stacks closed?

Does Mosaic maintain its closed gypsum stacks?

Why is it that the U.S. EPA has banned phosphogypsum’s use?

At what level does phosphogypsum emit radiation?

What kind of water is associated with gypsum stacks?

Does the process water associated with manufacturing facilities stay on site?

Instead of closing gypsum stacks, can’t the material be used for other purposes?

Why is an Area-wide Environmental Impact Statement (AEIS) being conducted?

Who is paying for the AEIS?

What are the primary issues to be addressed in the AEIS?

How do we know that the AEIS is truly an independent assessment of the industry?