FAQs - Mosaic - Page 2

Q: Does dust at the mining sites contain radioactivity?

Dust is a reflection of the materials from which it originates. This is true for dust from our mining operations which, like the phosphate rock we mine, may contain low levels of radiation. The dust generated during the removal of rock and soil above the phosphate deposits – probably the dustiest part of mining – would be comparable to the dust generated in agricultural tilling or digging in your yard. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE ) found while preparing the 2014 Environmental Impact Statement for phosphate mining in Central Florida that dust at mining sites remains onsite due to the size of dust particles and wind speeds routinely experienced.

Q: Have there been studies to assess radiation and other potential impacts from phosphate mining in communities where Mosaic operates?

Yes. The FDOH has monitored radiation levels on pre- and post-mined lands for 30 years. Their monitoring results indicate levels on post-mined lands are within naturally occurring radiation levels in soils. Since the late 1970s, FIPR has also extensively studied and conducted research concerning radiation, waste disposal, air and water emissions associated with phosphate operations. Most recently, there have been two independent studies by the FDOH and Hillsborough County Environmental Planning Commission ( EPC ) on radon emissions that may be associated with the Riverview facility’s phosophogypsum stacks (2010 and 2012-2014). Based on those studies, no elevated radon levels were observed, and FDOH concluded that the monitoring results “are generally low compared to background levels in most of the country.”

Q: How is it possible for reclaimed land to be of higher ecological value than the land before it was mined?

Most of the land that we mine has already been impacted by human activity. This activity – usually decades before mining – had the effect of cutting off or isolating wetlands, streams and wildlife habitat. Reclamation gives us the opportunity to create large-scale wildlife habitat and corridors while reconnecting streams and wetlands as they existed before the original impacts to the land.

Q: What is phosphate mined in Florida used for?

Phosphate is found in a variety of household items that we use every day, from toothpaste to soaps and sodas. But the primary use of phosphate from Florida is to help farmers grow the food we all need. Florida phosphate helps farmers across America and around the world produce higher yields on the land that they farm. These higher yields increase food production worldwide, helping to eliminate hunger while reducing the farming footprint required to meet food demand.