By Ryan Wyatt Turbeville and WCJB Staff
WHITE SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) – A major employer in Hamilton and surrounding counties will close, the company announced on Wednesday after missing its third-quarter profit estimate.
Nutrien’s White Springs Phosphate facility will stop operating in the second quarter of 2027. The business will instead prioritize its Aurora, North Carolina facility.
Impacts on employees
The White Springs facility currently employs about 500 people, according to a company official. All of the employees will remain through the June 1, 2027, shutdown date. Some positions may be retained beyond that date for ongoing site activities. Details are still being worked out.
Reason for closure
Company officials said management decided to close the facility due to the mine approaching the end of its economically recoverable reserve life, resulting in higher operating costs.
“As part of a thorough strategic review, Nutrien evaluated alternatives to extend the life of the operation, including potential mine-life extensions and a sale of the facility. None of those alternatives could overcome the fundamental constraint of the site’s economically recoverable reserve life.”Statement from Nutrien
White Springs accounted for about 20% of Nutrien’s phosphate sales and 28% of the operating segment cost of goods sold in 2026. The closure will reduce the company’s expenses by about $50 million.
Environmental impacts
Following the June 1 shutdown, the company will conduct its environmental remediation and closure plan, including gypstack closure, water management, mine reclamation and chemical plant decommissioning.
Company officials say they work to ensure products and materials are handled safely, and waste is properly disposed of. They say the closure of operations doesn’t mean the end of Nutrien’s responsibilities in White Springs.
“We will keep White Springs in compliance throughout the closure process and continue meeting our environmental and regulatory requirements. Funding is already in place through financial assurances to support the remediation and reclamation work that needs to be completed.”Statement from Nutrien
Response from local leaders
State Rep. Jason Shoaf, who represents Hamilton County in the Florida House, provided the following statement about the closure.
“Nutrien’s decision to close its White Springs facility in mid-2027 is devastating news for the workers and families who have built their lives around it, and for the entire Hamilton County community. Like many businesses, Nutrien has struggled with rising costs, particularly for sulfur feedstock.
I’m encouraged to hear Nutrien will commit $8 million to community investment, employee support and economic development to help ease this transition. 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.”
Rep. Jason Shoaf
