Mosaic's company-wide focus on efficient processes and waste minimization is designed to reduce the footprint of our mining and processing facilities. We are committed to the proper management of byproducts from our mining and manufacturing operations, as well as responsible management of byproducts related to our legacy facilities.

Mosaic strives to effectively manage and control the potential environmental impacts of all solid wastes we generate, because it is our responsibility to safeguard the land from which we extract vital natural resources. Byproducts such as salt and brine from our Potash business unit and phosphogypsum and clay from our Phosphates business unit must be managed in a manner that is safe for both present and future environments.

HIGHLIGHTS:
  • At Esterhazy, our K1 facility reclaims portions of waste salt for sale as road salt, while K2 reclaims waste salt for backfill to stabilize inflow areas. In addition, our Belle Plaine facility reclaims waste salt for use in water softening and the food industry.
  • Mosaic is actively conducting research on alternative uses of phosphate clay settling areas in Florida in order to minimize our footprint. Future uses of these areas may include natural habitats, agricultural production, recreation, tree farms and alternative energy production.
  • During the 2011 reporting period, Mosaic launched two specialized programs that target improved resource management, analysis and accountability. These programs — Momentum 2012 and ROIC Works! (return on invested capital) — are evaluating waste management processes in the Potash and Phosphates business units, respectively.
  • In fiscal 2011, Mosaic's phosphate mining and beneficiation facility at Hookers Prairie in Florida minimized waste generation and identified waste to be recycled or converted to energy, saving approximately $395,000 in disposal costs and resulting in suitable wastes being sent to a waste-to-energy plant.
  • Each of our major offices worldwide participates in a paper/glass/metals recycling program. Mosaic is also reviewing its printing practices, with an aim of increasing printers' dormant modes and defaulting all its printers to double-sided printing to save paper, energy and toner usage.