Phosphate Mining

In our ongoing series on phosphate mines, WUSF reports on the long, tangled history of Florida's phosphate mines and the environment.

Between the governor's allocations and funding projections from the Florida Legislature, Piney Point could cost the state more than $115 million to clean up and shutdown.

The emergency order follows the closure of parts of U.S. 41 in Manatee and Hillsborough counties and the evacuation of homes and businesses in the area.

Evacuation orders were given late Friday to homes and businesses surrounding the leaking Piney Point processing plant in Manatee County.

Workers at the closed Piney Point phosphate processing plant in Manatee County continue to take emergency measures to reduce the amount of water inside a giant gypsum stack used to hold byproducts of the production of fertilizer.

The leak could signal a repeat of a breach in the gypstack retention pond that killed untold numbers of fish and marine life a decade ago.

Phosphate mining and production takes a heavy toll on the state's environment. But the industry also plays a key role in Florida's economy. This week on…

Phosphate mining and production takes a heavy toll on the state's environment. But the industry also plays a key role in Florida's economy. This week on…

The phosphate industry contributes a great deal to Florida's economy, but at what cost?This week on Florida Matters, we’re exploring how the phosphate…

The phosphate industry contributes a great deal to Florida's economy, but at what cost?This week on Florida Matters, we’re exploring how the phosphate…

Phosphate giant Mosaic is going to get its expansion in Manatee County. It took several weeks and hearings for Manatee Commissioners to decide on the…

UPDATED: 1/31:Manatee County Commissioners extended a public hearing on the proposed rezoning of the Wingate East phosphate mine until…