Phosphate mining was once an economic pillar for Polk County -- but that era is coming to a close. The last active mine in the county is nearly depleted, and will close next year.
Mosaic says it will close its Hookers Prairie phosphate mine in Polk County by the fall of next year. Karen Swager is Vice President of Mining Operations for Mosaic.
"That will be the last rock we extract from Polk County", Swager said.Speaking at the regional phosphate conference in Lakeland, Swager said two new phosphate mines were in the works for Florida -- which would be the first new mines under construction for the company in almost 20 years.
The mines in Hardee and Desoto Counties will cost roughly $1 billion each to construct. Swager says Mosaic does not yet hold permits for the mines, and will not start construction until it does.
Phosphate rock is mined to produce phosphate fertilizer. Florida produces 65% of the phosphate in the U.S.