In Florida, phosphate mining began in the 1880s. The region of Florida known as Bone Valley is still considered one of the most economically accessible phosphate deposits in the world. The name Bone Valley comes from fossilized bones of prehistoric creatures found in its soils. Bone Valley covers part of four counties including Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk. It is the nation’s largest known source of phosphates, accounting for more than 60 percent of U.S. production. Of the 1.3 million acres in Bone Valley, more than 440,000 acres are owned by the phosphate industry, and 3,000 – 6,000 acres are mined annually (Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 2015; Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute). Mining in Florida has moved south since it began.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection (LCMAP) initiative draws its strength from its ability to track annual land cover change across 33 years of satellite-derived land cover data on a 30-meter pixel by pixel basis.
Phosphate mining near Tampa, Florida, is significant due to the region’s rich deposits of phosphate rock, a key ingredient in fertilizer. This area, part of the broader region known as the Bone Valley, is one of the world’s leading sources of phosphate and phosphate-based products, which are crucial for global agriculture.
### History
Phosphate mining in Florida began in the late 19th century, and the industry rapidly grew due to the high demand for fertilizer to support the agricultural sector. The discovery of phosphate near Tampa turned the area into an important industrial hub. Over the years, the mining techniques have evolved from manual labor to sophisticated, large-scale operations.
### Process
The mining process involves extracting phosphate rock from the ground using various methods, including dragline mining and flotation. The extracted rock is then processed to separate the phosphate from sand and clay particles. The final product, phosphoric acid or phosphate rock, is then used to produce different types of fertilizers.
### Economic Impact
Phosphate mining has significantly contributed to the economy of Tampa and the surrounding areas, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The industry is a major exporter of phosphate products, contributing to the United States’ position as a leading player in the global phosphate market.
### Environmental Concerns
However, phosphate mining has raised environmental concerns, including the destruction of habitats, water pollution, and the creation of phosphogypsum stacks, which are byproducts of the processing of phosphate rock. These stacks contain radioactive materials and other harmful substances, posing risks to the environment and public health.
### Regulatory Measures and Sustainability
In response to these environmental challenges, regulatory measures have been implemented to minimize the impact of phosphate mining. Companies are required to follow strict environmental guidelines and are often involved in land reclamation projects, aiming to restore mined areas to their natural state or repurpose them for other uses. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on developing more sustainable mining practices to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
Phosphate mining near Tampa remains a critical industry, balancing economic benefits with environmental and social responsibilities. As the global demand for fertilizers continues to grow, finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of phosphate mining will remain a priority.
Author Doc Thomas