Nutrien is the second-largest phosphate producer in North America, with two large integrated facilities and four regional product upgrade facilities. Our high-quality phosphate rock enables the production of many products, including solid and liquid fertilizers, feed, and industrial acids.
Our high-quality phosphate rock enables production of a diverse mix of products. We sell primarily in the North American market, benefitting from our extensive distribution network and customer relationships. Fertilizer historically represents about 75 percent of our phosphate sales.
Phosphate 101
Most of the world’s phosphate is mined from underground deposits formed by marine sediment. Phosphorous (P) is present in every living cell. In plants, phosphate is crucial to essential energy reactions, including photosynthesis, speeding maturity and reproduction, and increasing yields. In animals, it’s a critical component in biochemical reactions necessary for muscle contraction and body growth, maintenance, and repair.
1. Phosphate ore from mine
Overburden (layers above the phosphate) is removed, then draglines mine the ore. Later on, this land will be reclaimed.
2. Processing
Ore is pumped through a pipeline to be processed if needed (screening, washing, floating, dewatering, and calcination) to create phosphate rock.
3. Sulfuric acid
Purchased sulfur is converted into sulfuric acid.
4. Phosphoric acid plants
Phosphoric acid — the feedstock for all our phosphate products — is produced from phosphate rock by adding concentrated sulfuric acid. Gypsum is a byproduct of this process.
Nameplate P₂O₅ capacity
Large integrated phosphate mines
Upgrade facilities
Fertilizer, feed, and industrial phosphate products sold annually
Required for energy storage and transfer, and speeds crop maturity.
Assists in muscle repair and skeletal development of animals.
Used in soft drinks, food additives, and metal treatments.
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