Canadian fertilizer producer Nutrien announced on November 4 that it would close its White Springs phosphate facility in Florida in the second quarter of 2027 as economically recoverable phosphate reserves approach depletion and operating costs continue to rise. Separately, an explosion and fire struck the company's Loveland Products chemical plant in Greenville, Mississippi, the same morning. The incident sent black smoke into the air and prompted local authorities to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order.
White Springs is expected to account for approximately 20% of Nutrien's phosphate segment sales in 2026 but around 28% of its cost of goods sold. The closure follows a strategic review of the company's phosphate business. Nutrien received several non-binding bids for its phosphate assets but decided to retain and optimize its Aurora operations in North Carolina while closing the higher-cost Florida facility.
The shutdown is expected to reduce annual sustaining capital expenditures and lease payments by approximately $50 million. White Springs had a carrying value of around $430 million in assets subject to impairment assessment as of September 30. Nutrien expects to recognize impairment and shutdown-related expenses in the fourth quarter.
Third-quarter adjusted EBITDA in Nutrien's phosphate segment fell 93% to $8 million, with higher sulfur costs contributing to the decline.
At the separate Loveland Products facility in Greenville, Mississippi, an explosion shortly after 7 a.m. on November 4 caused a fire involving a herbicide-related chemical, according to preliminary information provided to local authorities. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and no injuries had been reported by midday.
Nearby residents were instructed to shelter in place because of the smoke. The order was lifted after approximately two hours. Mississippi environmental authorities deployed an emergency response team and an air-monitoring contractor to assess potential air quality impacts.
The cause of the explosion, extent of plant damage and timetable for resuming operations had not been disclosed as of November 5. Nutrien said the Loveland plant management team was working with local emergency responders.
