Mosaic suspends two phosphate facilities in Brazil considering their potential sale

Mosaic said it will idle two phosphate operations in Brazil as part of a broader effort to reduce costs and redeploy capital, a move that will also lead to workforce reductions. The company plans to begin idling and demobilizing its Araxá Mining and Chemical Complex and halt related mining activities at the Patrocínio Complex, while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations during the process.

The company said it is exploring a potential sale of the Araxá assets, while continuing to advance a niobium development opportunity at Patrocínio, where technical assessments are nearing completion. Mosaic expects the shutdowns to reduce annual phosphate production at its Brazilian unit, Mosaic Fertilizantes, by approximately 1 million tonnes. Despite the lower output, the company said the impact on adjusted EBITDA should be limited, citing elevated sulfur prices, excluding one-time closure costs.

Mosaic estimates a pre-tax accounting impact of $350 million to $400 million in the first quarter of 2026, including asset impairments and other write-offs, as well as costs related to severance and contract terminations. Following a potential transaction, the company expects annual capital expenditures to fall by $20 million to $30 million, and operating expenses to fall by $70 million to $80 million. Chief executive Bruce Bodine said the decision reflects a continued focus on disciplined capital allocation and long-term returns.

Source: AgroPages