Yara confirmed on May 21 that it has reached a deal with Mosaic for all June shipments of ammonia at $625/mt CFR. This price is an increase of $80/mt over the May Tampa price of $545/mt CFR. Industry sources had speculated that increased gas outages in Trinidad would likely drive June Tampa prices up from May levels.
PCS Phosphate Company Inc. (PotashCorp-Aurora) announced on May 21 that it is reducing staffing levels at its phosphate facility in Aurora, N.C., by approximately 150 full-time positions, or about 15 percent of its current workforce.
The workforce reduction will take place in two phases, the company said. Employees will first be offered a voluntary separation package, and if target reductions are not met, involuntary separations will take place. The effective date of the layoffs will be June 30, 2012.
“This is a difficult day for our employees and our company,” said Steve Beckel, general manager of PotashCorp-Aurora. “As a company, we never take these decisions lightly. However, remaining competitive for the long term is in the best interests of both our community and our company.”
Following a review of key operating processes, changes were identified to lower operating costs while maintaining the operational capability of the facility. The company said these changes are necessary to maintain the facility’s long term competitiveness in a global marketplace.
“Many employees are being affected by this decision. We will work to help them make a successful transition,” said Beckel. “While it is regrettable that we must take these actions, PotashCorp-Aurora is committed to this community and North Carolina for the long term.”
Mississippi Phosphates Corporation confirmed that an employee died during a maintenance procedure on May 21 at the company’s Gulf Coast fertilizer facility east of Pascagoula, Miss. Local press identified the man as Jeffrey Simpson, 39, of Pascagoula.
The company said in a statement that the accidental death occurred in a portion of the plant that “was not operational and there is no threat to employees or the public.” Mississippi Phosphates said it is currently in the investigation process, and will release more information as the investigation proceeds.
“We are cooperating with all responding and investigating governmental and regulatory agencies,” the company said. “At this point, our primary concern is with the family of the deceased and our other employees and their families.”
Mississippi Phosphates’ manufacturing facilities in Pascagoula consist of two sulfuric acid plants, a phosphoric acid plant, and a DAP granulation plant. DAP production capacity at the site is approximately 850,000 tons/year.
