Did you know 88 percent of Mosaic co-ops go on to accept full-time roles with the company? In honor of National Intern Day on July 25, we want to introduce you to some of our current co-ops from Mosaic Student Programs, including two former co-ops who went on to become full-time employees!  

As part of our noble mission to help the world grow the food it needs, our co-ops learn about our safety culture beginning on day one. We educate them on our safety protocols, equip them with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and provide hands-on training. From engineering to accounting, we’re proud to offer opportunities to the next generation of leaders who will continue our mission to help the world grow the food it needs. Learn more about them below:

Heti Dushyant Bhatt  
Process Engineer I, Belle Plaine

Heti graduated from the University of Regina with a master’s degree in petroleum systems engineering. After completing an environmental co-op with Mosaic in 2023, Heti was hired full-time as a Process Engineer at our Belle Plaine facility earlier this month.  

What made you want to pursue a career at Mosaic?  

During my co-op term at Mosaic, I experienced the inclusive work environment firsthand. That greatly influenced my desire to pursue a career with the company.  

What was the process like to transition from a co-op to an employee?  

The process was smooth. While completing my degree, I maintained regular contact with the talent acquisition team (Maria Jeans, Ben Stephen and Orlando Haynes). About a month after graduation, I got offered a position at Belle Plaine. 

How did your time as a Mosaic co-op help you prepare to enter the workforce full-time?  

Working at Mosaic provided hands-on experience and deepened my understanding of the industry. The experience equipped me with the knowledge and experience to smoothly transition into the workforce.  

What do you hope to do next in your career with Mosaic?  

I aspire to work on projects that advance sustainability goals while prioritizing safety, and further develop my skills. I hope to assist the company in developing or identifying green technologies aimed at reducing emissions and achieving the net zero goal. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op with Mosaic?  

When considering a co-op opportunity, it is important to remain open to learning and refining skills in a real-world setting.  Additionally, networking within your field is crucial. It facilitates connections that can open doors to new opportunities. 

Paul Haugen  
Process Engineering Co-Op, Esterhazy, K1

Paul is a process engineering co-op at K1 in Esterhazy. He is currently in his fourth year of mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. This is his second co-op with Mosaic. Last year, Paul completed an 8-month co-op term with Large Capital Projects in Regina.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic engineering co-op?  

My responsibilities this term have been updating the K1 mill flowsheets, assisting with stack testing at K2, assisting with the Compaction Circuit #3 commissioning at K1, and day-to-day troubleshooting and engineering support. 

What has been your favorite part of your experience?  

My favorite part of my internship so far has been working with the process engineering team in Esterhazy. My team has been extraordinarily kind and have been very supportive to me during my work term. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op?  

My advice for anyone considering a co-op is to be friendly and to talk to and learn from everyone you can. Our sites have experts in every aspect of how we operate, so don’t be afraid to reach out and learn from those around you. 

What has been your biggest takeaway?  

My biggest takeaway is the importance safety has both at work and at home. Safety is such a focus here at Mosaic that it has changed the way I think when I am off site. I take less risks, think through decisions more carefully and encourage others around me to do the same.

Josh McDonald  
Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Co-Op, Belle Plaine

Josh is completing his second term as a co-op working in maintenance and reliability. His first term as a co-op was in mechanical integrity at Belle Plaine. Josh is a student at the University of Saskatchewan, going into his final year of mechanical engineering this fall.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic co-op?  

Working in maintenance and reliability, my role involves facilitating improvements to the solution mining process and reliability at Belle Plaine. I am assigned projects that aim to enhance plant safety, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to general site improvement. This role has been very rewarding as I have been able to apply my knowledge to projects that positively impact the site and the people who work to keep it running. 

What has been the most memorable part of your experience?ΓÇ» 

The most memorable part of my experience so far has been coming back to see the impact of my previous projects. In my last work term at Belle Plaine, I designed a maintenance tool meant to reduce the strain that comes with turning over compactor rolls by hand. Seeing this tool in action has motivated me to undertake projects in my current term that will bring similar improvements to the site.  

What do you hope to do next?ΓÇ» 

After my work term, I plan on completing my degree and begin working as an engineer-in-training (EIT). I hope to return to the potash mining industry and begin my career in Reliability to gain a comprehensive understanding of a site’s process from the perspective of asset operation. Whatever role I take on, I aspire to continue making strides toward safer and smoother site operation. 

ΓÇ»What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic? 

I would highly recommend that any student take advantage of a co-op program. For engineering students, being exposed to practical applications of engineering is essential for the development of intuition and problem-solving skills. 
Mosaic’s co-op program has been particularly beneficial, being that systems are set in place to ensure that both the expectations of the student and employer are met. This is accomplished with formal and scheduled feedback on performance, workload, and site integration. I appreciate this system as it has pushed me to grow towards becoming a future professional. 

ΓÇ»What's been your biggest takeaway? 

My biggest takeaway from the experience is realizing that success does not come solely from technical ability. Effective communication with knowledgeable members at Belle Plaine has allowed for more learning than any textbook. Do not be afraid to ask questions, learn from your mistakes, or get your hands dirty. 

Fred Nii Oboe-Sam 
Process Engineer I, Belle Plaine

Fred is a process engineer within the Applied Process Technology (APT) department at Belle Plaine. Previously, he worked as an applied process student engineer within the APT department at Belle Plaine from September 2023 to April 2024. Fred earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, and his master’s degree in process systems engineering from the University of Regina.  

What made you want to pursue a career with Mosaic? 

Mosaic’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my career values. I’m drawn to companies that not only focus on the present but also actively contribute to a sustainable future. Mosaic integrates innovation across all aspects of its business, including achieving ambitious sustainability goals. 

What was the process like to transition from a co-op to an employee?  

The transition from co-op to employee has been quite smooth. Having experienced similar learning and onboarding during my co-op work term helped. Additionally, the network of familiar faces and colleagues on-site made the return easier. Being trained and treated similarly to an employee back then truly facilitated the transition. 

How did your co-op with Mosaic help you when preparing to enter the workforce full-time?ΓÇ» 

During my internship with Mosaic, I gained invaluable insights that eased my transition to full-time work. I had the opportunity to move beyond theoretical knowledge, work independently under supervision, and truly understand the impact of an engineer within the organization. This experience informed my career path and equipped me with practical skills. Additionally, exposure to the mining industry during that time significantly shaped my professional trajectory. 

What do you hope to do next in your career with Mosaic?  

In the next three to five years, I aim to enhance my competence in my engineering role. Gaining the trust of my leaders to tackle more complex departmental and company projects is a priority. I am excited about leveraging Mosaic’s continuous development opportunities to pursue courses and programs that will solidify my expertise as a professional engineer. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic?ΓÇ» 

Mosaic’s co-op program goes beyond theoretical classroom learning. It offers a hands-on experience that extends beyond the student title. Working alongside managers and other engineers, you gain independence while still benefiting from their guidance. This firsthand exposure helps you understand the engineer’s role within the organization, informing your career path. Co-op opportunities provide a glimpse into your future career, so choose a company that offers the right tools and learning curve for a meaningful work experience.

Ademiloluwa “Demmie” Okusanya  
Electrical Engineer Co-Op, Esterhazy K3

Ademiloluwa is an electrical engineer co-op, currently in her second year of her master’s program in electronics systems engineering at the University of Regina. However, this isn’t her first role with Mosaic. Her journey with the company first began as an international student when she worked as an administrative assistant in 2023.  

What are your responsibilities as an electrical engineer co-op?  

My responsibilities focus on ensuring the smooth running of substations and other electrical equipment, which is vital for meeting our daily production targets for ore. Operational responsibilities include troubleshooting of electrical power systems related issues that may arise; inspection and maintenance of industrial electrical equipment; and working on software-based electrical power system modeling, which includes data collection, field verification and model modifications. Without our team’s efforts in these areas, achieving Mosaic’s broader strategic goals would be challenging. By maintaining and optimizing our electrical systems, we support the company’s operational efficiency and contribute to its market expansion objectives.  

What has been your favorite part of your co-op experience?  

My favorite part has been the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge from my academic studies to real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience has significantly enhanced my skills and prepared me for a future career in power systems. Working on diverse projects and facing real engineering challenges has been incredibly rewarding and educational.  

What do you hope to do next?  

I plan to use the knowledge gained during my internship to complete my final year project successfully. Upon graduation, I aim to return to the industry, preferably with Mosaic, to continue learning and growing as an electrical engineer. My goal is to become the best in my field, contributing to innovative solutions and helping the world grow the food it needs.  

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op with Mosaic?  

Go for it! The wealth of knowledge you gain just from being around seasoned professionals in the industry is invaluable. While it may be challenging to balance initially, the fulfillment you’ll gain by the end of your co-op experience is immeasurable.  

What’s been your biggest takeaway?  

Above all, the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and make a tangible impact has been deeply fulfilling and motivating for me.

Riley Talbot  
Maintenance Engineer Co-Op, Esterhazy K2

Riley is completing a four-month internship with the maintenance engineering department at our Esterhazy K2 site. This is his second co-op with Mosaic. Previously, he completed an eight-month term with maintenance engineering at the Esterhazy K3 and K2 sites. Riley attends the University of Saskatchewan and is obtaining his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic co-op?  

In maintenance engineering, my main duty is to complete smaller scale engineering projects as prioritized by site leadership. These projects can be requested by operations, maintenance or leadership and can focus on safety, regulatory requirements, site maintenance, and production and maintenance optimization. The wide variety of requests means I work on projects related to structural, mechanical, process and equipment design.  

What has been your favorite part of your experience?ΓÇ» 

My favorite part of the experience has been interacting with everyone at work. I get to interact with all departments onsite and learn about all the different processes involved with running the K2 mill. I have learned that having conversations with workers in the field is one of the best ways to learn more about specific processes and pieces of equipment. Everyone onsite is ready and willing to help when I ask questions, so I have learned a lot in a short amount of time. 

What do you hope to do next?ΓÇ» 

After I complete my degree, I hope to return to Mosaic as a full-time engineer. I enjoy the work I do with Mosaic and would like to pursue a career at Esterhazy. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic?ΓÇ» 

My advice for anyone considering a co-op is to take longer placements if possible. Four-month placements will allow you to finish your degree in the usual four years, but they do not provide the same depth of knowledge as a longer placement. My eight-month placement felt like the right length to get comfortable with my position and responsibilities while still leaving time to showcase my abilities by completing projects. I feel it was well worth my time to extend my degree to five years and allow me to take a longer placement with Mosaic. Additionally, I recommend that students consider multiple placements. After my eight-month placement in 2023, I decided to return for a four-month placement in 2024 and it has paid off. Having knowledge of the position’s functions and responsibilities allowed me to focus on expanding my horizons and challenging myself with more complex projects. 

What's been your biggest takeaway? 

My biggest takeaway from my co-op experience has been to challenge myself. As an internship student, you are in an ideal situation to try new things and expand your boundaries. All the work you complete is reviewed and approved by your direct supervisor who also helps guide you day-to-day. Additionally, you have access to subject matter experts onsite who are willing and able to answer any questions you bring to them. By trying new projects, you can ask more questions to new people who will take the time to explain base level details and ensure you understand the topic at hand. Finally, I found that challenging myself to speak to new people and lead project meetings was a great way to build my abilities and expand my network. 

Karen Swager’s journey to becoming the leader of Mosaic’s global operations began when she was a child. She visited a local foundry with her father, who worked as an engineer in Michigan’s automotive industry, and knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps.  

“I was fascinated by the hot metal and the glowing red castings that would come out of the sand,” she explains. “That led me to take specific classes in high school and join a student group that promoted careers in engineering. I went on to study engineering in college as a result.” 

Karen attended Michigan Technological University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in metallurgical engineering – studying metals and how metals can be safely transformed into products. She planned to work in Cargill’s steel division following graduation, but the company wanted to send her to Florida to interview for positions in both their steel and fertilizer divisions.  

“I was a starving college student and decided to take the interview,” says Karen. “I went on a trip to sunny Florida in the middle of a cold Michigan January, I received the offer – and the rest is history.” 

Karen Swager, Mosaic's Executive Vice President - Operations

Growing Her Career   

Karen joined Cargill’s phosphate mining operations in 1994, working first as a Plant Metallurgist then moving into a Shift Supervisor role. 

In the years that followed, Karen continued to grow her career with Mosaic, taking on General Manager roles at Mosaic’s Wingate and Four Corners facilities in Florida. She later transitioned to Vice President roles, first leading Mosaic’s U.S. phosphate mining operations, then Mosaic’s U.S. phosphate manufacturing operations. With support from Mosaic, she also earned her Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. 

In 2018, Karen was promoted to her first Senior Vice President role leading Mosaic’s North America potash operations. In this role, Karen moved from Florida to Regina, Saskatchewan and engaged with our Potash employees and other stakeholders across Canada. She also announced the decision to accelerate completion of the K3 project at our Esterhazy facility and led the potash team to a record safety performance year. 

In 2020, Karen was named Senior Vice President—Supply Chain and assumed responsibility for the movement of raw materials and finished products, as well as strategic sourcing activities in North America. In this position, Karen focused on modernizing the customer experience by enhancing accessibility to order tracking and delivery status through the supply chain digital transformation. She also oversaw the formation of Mosaic’s first North America shared services team – now called Enterprise Business Services – which brought speed and efficiency to business-critical processes. 

In this role, Karen also started leading Mosaic’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) organization – which guided our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her leadership, EHS worked with others throughout the company to help protect our people and ensure continued safe, responsible operations by enabling the sharing of best practices, lessons learned and critical health supplies across borders. 

Today, as Executive Vice President – Operations, Karen also leads Mosaic’s global operations. That includes Mosaic’s potash and phosphate operations in North and South America, as well as Miski Mayo, Mosaic’s joint venture phosphate mine in Peru. She also serves on the Board of Directors for SSR Mining and is a member of SSR Mining’s Technical, Safety and Sustainability Committee.  

"Karen’s diverse experience and strong connections she’s built during her time in this industry uniquely position her to lead our operations as we continue moving towards a One Mosaic way of operating,” says Bruce Bodine, Mosaic President and CEO. “She has a proven track record of building teams that deliver on Mosaic’s principles to be responsible, innovative, collaborative and driven.”      

Building Connections 

Karen is making it a priority to travel between the U.S., Canada and Brazil to meet with employees and other key stakeholders. During a trip to Saskatchewan, she shared a business update and answered questions from employees at Mosaic’s Regina Office.

As a professional engineer, Karen enjoys the technical aspects of her roles – but says helping build teams and develop the next generation of leaders is what she finds most rewarding. She is also the proud executive sponsor of Mosaic’s Employee Inclusion Network (EIN) for veterans. 

“I’m fortunate to be able to work with talented people around the world, and I’m passionate about investing in our employees – just as Mosaic and other leaders have done for me,” says Karen. “I am committed to working alongside others to make sure they have opportunities to grow.” 

While in Brazil earlier this year, Karen joined Corrine Ricard, Senior Vice President – Digital Strategy, and Jenny Wang, Executive Vice President – Commercial, for site tours, in-person meetings with employees and a virtual Town Hall. L-R: Karen Swager, Corrine Ricard, Hayane Claudio, Jacenir Raymundo, Dirce Monma and Jenny Wang. 

Prioritizing Safety 

In March, Karen was a keynote speaker at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual convention in Toronto, Ontario. She spoke about how we are reshaping our safety culture at Mosaic by elevating leader engagement, fostering personal responsibility, prioritizing psychological wellness, enhancing our management systems, empowering our frontline employees and ensuring contractor safety. 

In her connections with employees and other key stakeholders, Karen makes it a priority to talk about safety. She believes elevating leader engagement, fostering personal accountability, promoting psychological wellness, enhancing our management system, empowering our frontline employees and ensuring contractor safety all critical components of a robust safety culture.

“Mosaic has policies, procedures and resources in place – which are important – but our hearts and our minds must be in it. We have to take personal responsibility for protecting ourselves and others,” Karen shared with employees at a recent Town Hall. “The most important thing we do every single day is go home safe to our families at the end of our day or shift. That is more important than production, costs or anything else. Safety is always first.” 
 

From collecting professional attire and preparing meals to participating in activities with individuals of diverse abilities, walking dogs, coastal clean-ups and more – Mosaic employees across North America volunteered in local operating communities on April 9 for our first Mosaic Cares Day of the year! Additional Mosaic Cares Days are planned in October, as part of Mosaic’s 20th anniversary celebration, and in December, to celebrate the season of giving.  

Our first-ever Mosaic Cares Day was organized in Florida in October 2022 to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts in some of our hardest-hit operating areas. “Due to the positive response we received from employees and our community partners, Mosaic Cares Day was expanded across North America in 2023,” explains Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice President, Government and Public Affairs – North America. “It continues to be an opportunity for our employees to get involved, connect with each other and our mission, and learn about organizations that are making our communities better.”   

For this recent Mosaic Cares Day, our employee volunteers were proud to partner with the following organizations in Canada: 

SaskatchewanΓÇ» 

Dress for Success: Employees donated gently used professional attire to support Dress for Success, an organization that strives to empower women to achieve economic independence.ΓÇ»ΓÇ»ΓÇ» 

Moose Jaw Foodbank: Volunteers sorted food and other supplies to support the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, an organization dedicated to providing a collection and redistribution system for surplus and donated food in the region.ΓÇ» 

Moose Jaw Humane Society: Volunteers assisted with yard clean up, dog walking and cat cuddling to support the Moose Jaw Humane Society, an organization that provides compassionate care and a safe environment for homeless and orphaned animals until forever homes are found.ΓÇ»ΓÇ»ΓÇ»ΓÇ» 

SaskAbilities: Volunteers assisted with snack preparation and participated in an afternoon of board games and other activities to support the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, an organization that works with people of varying abilities to enhance their independence and participation in the community through vocational, rehabilitation and recreational services.ΓÇ»ΓÇ» 

Regina Transition House: Employees donated spring essentials for women and children (including spring jackets, rain boots, umbrellas and other family supplies) to support the Regina Transition House, an organization that provides safe housing and support for women and children fleeing violence.  

Regina Food Bank: Volunteers distributed “Mosaic Cares” packages to community members to support the Regina Food Bank, an organization that serves those most vulnerable in our community by providing programs and services directly and through partnerships in the areas of food provision, essential skills, development and connections. Volunteers also prepared sandwiches and snacks for distribution at the Regina Food Bank’s Community Hub, which provides programming and diverse food options to empower our neighbors.   

Watch this video to see the highlights from our day!

SECON Group of Companies earned the Leadership award at Mosaic’s 2024 Canadian Potash Contractor Awards Celebrations (CPCAC) on March 19 in Regina. SECON was recognized for its Risk Reduction Project at Mosaic’s Belle Plaine site. The project involved creating a different and safer process for moving large equipment through a monorail system, which has now been installed in several locations at the Belle Plaine facility. 

This is the second year Mosaic has hosted the CPCAC awards, which honors contractors who achieve a zero-reportable injury record for the year. 

Other recognition included: 

“Workhorse Award” for those with 100,000+ hours and no recordable injuries: 

• Cando Rail & Terminals 
• Cam Industrial Solutions 

"As we honor contractors who achieve zero-recordable injury records and celebrate milestones like the 'Workhorse Award' and the 'Leadership Award,' we reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering a culture of safety excellence," said Paula Armstrong, Contractor Safety Lead – Esterhazy. "Congratulations to all the contractors and their unwavering dedication to safety." 

The Mosaic Performance Award was awarded to 35 companies at the ceremonies that met the criteria of a minimum of 2000+ hours worked and aΓÇ»< .43 Recordable Injury Frequency Rate. 

Contractors with Mosaic Canadian Potash recorded 1.7 million working hours in 2023. 
 

International Women’s Day is March 8. To celebrate, we’re featuring just a few of the women who work so hard to help Mosaic achieve its mission of helping the world grow the food it needs. 

Sherri Doidge  
Title: Sr. Manager Capital Projects 
Year hired: 1998 
Previous roles: Sr. Manager Capital – Belle Plaine 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: The Stage 2 Expansion FEL3 Project, and TEAM at Belle Plaine! The Stage 2 FEL3 Project scope was large and complex, and all the teams on site collaborated so well together. I love collaborating with all teams, working together to advance the Mosaic mission. 

Michelle Johnson  
Title: Manager NA Quality Assurance 
Year hired: 1993. I was hired to fill a 6-month contract at the Belle Plaine mine site and I became a full-time employee in 1994. 
Previous roles held: Manager Quality Assurance & Quality Control – Potash; Manager Quality Assurance – Potash; Lead Quality Assurance – Potash; Quality Assurance Specialist – Potash; Superintendent Research Quality Projects – Potash; Supervisor Quality Control – Belle Plaine; R&D Technologist – Potash; Quality Control Technician – Belle Plaine 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: I have so many great memories from the past 30 years. My favorite memory takes me back to my role as Superintendent Research Quality Projects. I worked on a joint project with operations personnel from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to try and solve a product quality issue presenting at customer locations. After many months of test work and product trials, we watched product flow into a vessel and then subsequently into a customer warehouse that was dust free. The collaboration of the team, the focus everyone had on finding a solution to the problem and friendships made through the process are something I will always remember. 

Marnel Jones 
Title: Director, Government & Public Affairs – Canada 
Year hired: 2011 
Previous roles held: Community Investment Coordinator; Sr. Community Investment Specialist; Communications Manager – Potash; Sr. Communications Manager – North America; Sr. Corporate Communications Manager 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: Descending underground at K3 in May 2017 with colleagues, media and stakeholders just after we connected the two shafts and could walk between them for the first time. There was no infrastructure yet and most of our light came from our headlamps in certain areas. After years of shaft sinking, this was a remarkable moment for our company. I have a piece of potash I picked up that day that reminds me of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
One other fun fact – I got engaged in the office with all my Mosaic colleagues watching and helping my husband pull off the big surprise. I still get teased for going right back to work shortly after saying yes. 

Aimee Ottenbreit   
Title: Senior Manager, Environmental 
Year hired: 2002 as a summer co-op; 2004 full time. 
Previous roles held: K1 Process Engineer; Belle Plaine Mining Area Engineer; Belle Plaine Wet End Superintendent; Belle Plaine Continuous Improvement Lead; and Belle Plaine EHS Manager. 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: Putting a Mosaic team into the 2011 Sticks on the Rose Charity Ball Hockey Tournament in Regina, Saskatchewan. Our team was the top fundraising team that year, and with that we were able to get the top celebrity pick to be on our team, which was Jordan Eberle. To this day, I still love to reminisce with Jeremy Hilderman, Jody Hilderman, Penny Newans and Josh Howe on how fun that day was! 

Michele Unrath   
Title: Quality Lead 
Year hired: 1996 
Previous roles held: QC Lab, R&D Lab, Quality Assurance 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: My Mosaic journey has been full of wonderful experiences, but the most memorable ones are related to the amazing people I have met at Mosaic. A favorite moment that I will never forget was the first time I boarded a vessel at the port and saw how we load Potash for our Global customers. It was an impressive experience to see the scale and efficiency of that part of our supply chain.

Carey Wakeford
Title: Senior Director, Finance – Operations & Supply Chain 
Year hired: 1996 
Previous roles held: Director, Global Project Controls and Governance – Digital Transformation Office; Director, Project Controls and Governance – North America Capital; Vice President Finance Potash Business Unit 
Favorite Mosaic memory/moment: I was very fortunate to be part of the K3 expansion project in Potash that started in 2009. I was responsible for the project financials, controls and governance for the $3 billion project. After several years of sinking the 2 shafts at K3 (including going through the water-bearing formations that had to be frozen), in 2017 we reached the Potash level approximately 3,500 feet below surface. It was very exciting to be part of that historic moment. 

Mosaic commits $1 million to the Regina Food Bank over the next five years

On February 1, 2024, The Mosaic Company announced plans to expand our current partnership with The Regina Food Bank by providing funding to help build a new Community Food Hub in downtown Regina. This additional commitment will increase the company’s total support for the food bank to $1 million over the next five years. 

The Regina Food Bank's Community Food Hub will open a new downtown location in the spring of 2024 and will be home to the Mosaic Market. This first-of-its-kind experience will offer a shopping market set up, allowing for more choice. It will also address accessibility challenges by providing a central location for clients to secure food and support.

“Our long-term partnership is making a difference in the fight against hunger in Regina by making food available when and where the community needs it,” Bruce Bodine, Mosaic President and CEO said. “We’re honoured to be part of this visionary project located right in the heart of the city."

The Mosaic Market, which will be located inside the Regina Food Bank's Community Food Hub, will operate like a self-serve grocery store, and allow clients to use a shopping cart and select items.

Located at the corner of Broad Street and 12th Avenue, the downtown location of the Community Food Hub will make food accessibility easier for clients. The Regina Food Bank knows many clients have faced transportation difficulties in getting to its North Winnipeg Street location, and this new location will address those transportation challenges.

"Mosaic's commitment goes far beyond financial support; it’s a pledge and illustrates momentum, as we work to create Canada’s first choice model food bank,” said John Bailey, CEO of the Regina Food Bank. “A Community Hub where families can choose the food that meets their unique dietic and cultural needs. A place where we can teach financial and nutritional literacy. Mosaic has truly fed hope.”

The Regina Food Bank distributes more than 15,000 lbs. of food daily to individuals in Regina and 10 southern Saskatchewan communities. Every month, the food bank feeds more than 15,000 people, and 41% of those individuals are children.

The Regina Community Hub is an 1881-square-foot space that includes the self-serve Mosaic Market; it also will consist of a programming space for individuals to learn more about eating and cooking healthy meals. The exterior of the building will include a playground and a basketball court for the community. The construction is planned for the spring of 2024, officially opening in June.

Mosaic is the Food Bank's longest-food drive partner, and through our relationship, we also created the Mosaic Million Meal Challenge, which has raised more than five million meals in four years.
 

It’s the season of giving, and Mosaic employees are doing just that on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The third and final Mosaic Cares Day of 2023 is focused on giving back to local communities. Mosaic employees will volunteer across North America at partner organizations focused on education, services to the elderly, food donation and more.  

“We know giving back at a local level can often have the biggest impact,” said Chris Johnson, Sr. Social Responsibility Specialist. “This is a time of year where so many people need our help. We’re grateful to so many of our employees for giving their time and talents to these organizations.”  

Canada 

St. Luke’s Community Christmas Lunch: Volunteers will assist with preparing, cooking and serving a warm meal for students and their families. Mosaic employees will also transform the gym into a winter wonderland. 

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Christmas Lunch: This lunch is an annual tradition for a growing number of people in need. Mosaic volunteers will help cook, serve and celebrate the Christmas season with those attending. 

Albert Community School: The Albert Community Schools hosts an annual pajama drive for students at the school. Mosaic volunteers will donate and deliver new pajamas to students. 

Dress For Success: Dress for Success empowers women to get prepared for interviews, career training and mentorship by ensuring they have professional outfits to wear. Employees will deliver donated clothes to Dress for Success on Mosaic Cares Day. 

YWCA Winter Gear Collection: The YWCA provides a safe place for women and children to stay and access support. On Mosaic Cares Day, Mosaic employees will deliver donated winter clothing to the YWCA for their clients to use in the cool winter months ahead. 

SaskAbilities: Volunteers from Mosaic’s Diverse Abilities Employee Inclusion Network (EIN) will be volunteering at SaskAbilties to assist their day program with holiday decorating and present wrapping. SaskAbilities supports people with disabilities with programs and services to enhance their lives. 

Riverside Mission: Riverside Mission is a safe and warm place for Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable to go for rest and services. Mosaic employees will be spreading Christmas cheer by cooking a Christmas dinner for clients of Riverside Mission. 

Moose Jaw Transition House: Moose Jaw Transition House provides women and children who are fleeing abusive or violent situations with a safe place to go. Mosaic employees will collect and deliver donated household goods to residents. 

Esterhazy Library: There is a Free Little Pantry at the Esterhazy Library that provides residents with non-perishable food items, hygiene products and school supplies for children. Mosaic employees will sort, pack and deliver items to go into the pantry. 

P.J. Gillen School: The elementary school in Esterhazy has a breakfast program for students to access. On Mosaic Cares Day, employees will be baking muffins for the breakfast program. 

Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre: Mosaic employees from our Colonsay site will spend Mosaic Cares Day building emergency food hampers for the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre. The hampers provide people with two to three days' worth of food for anyone in need of it in the Saskatoon area. 

Don’t miss a thing on Mosaic Cares Day. Be sure to follow us on social media at @MosaicInCanada and @mosaicfloridaphosphate, or use the #MosaicCaresDay hashtag.  

For the engineering, design, and construction of Mosaic's K3 south shaft headframe, Hatch won the prestigious Schreyer Award and the Award of Excellence in the category Natural Resources, Mining, Industry, and Energy from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies for the 2023 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards.  

The Schreyer Award recognizes the project that best demonstrates technical excellence and innovation. Hatch's groundbreaking design included pre-assembling steel modules for the headframes and strategically lowering the large structural components down the shaft. The headframe for K3's south shaft ranks as one of the most complex slip forms ever created, and the team continuously poured the form over 22 days. 

"We are thrilled to see the outstanding recognition that Hatch has received for their exceptional work on the K3 south shaft headframe,” said Kelly Strong, Mosaic’s Vice-President of Mining – North America. “The innovative design and meticulous execution showcase technical excellence and a forward-thinking approach to challenges. Hatch's ability to streamline the construction process with the pre-assembly of steel modules and the strategic lowering of structural components down the shaft is a testament to their ingenuity."

During the slip forming of the headframe, crews installed 2.5 tonnes of reinforcement every hour. The south shaft headframe contains over 1400 tonnes of rebar, over 5000 m3 concrete, and over 1800 tonnes of structural steel, and the team completed all work ahead of schedule throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We were impressed with the way the consulting engineers thought ahead and came up with a never-before-executed solution that would eliminate hazardous work for everyone involved in the project," said Jennifer Drake, Jury Chair – 2023 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards. “The jury saw the applicability of this new technique, the modular installation approach used for other projects. So, this is a cutting-edge new development.”

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health condition in any given year. By age 40, 50% of the population will have experienced a mental health condition. But despite affecting millions of people, conversations around mental health can be difficult to navigate, if they happen at all.  

While addressing mental health may be difficult, it’s just as important as taking care of physical health. That’s why World Mental Health Day is recognized each year on October 10. The goal of World Mental Health Day is to end the stigma around the topic, while encouraging care. In recognition of the day, Mosaic employees will hear from Tyler Smith, a former Humboldt Broncos junior league hockey player who survived a tragic accident and learned how to navigate his mental health in the aftermath.  

At Mosaic, we’re proud to offer mental health support for our employees through our Live Well. Work Well resources. For example, the psychological wellness training program was designed with input from our employees, as well as collaboration with our human resources and environmental, health and safety teams. Starting in 2024, all new hires and new people leaders will have psychological wellness training incorporated into their safety training.  

Additionally, Mosaic offers free, confidential mental health support to help employees and their family members through the Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP). In Canada, Homewood Health can be used for dealing with stress, burnout, grief, loss, relationship challenges, anxiety, anger management and more.  

There are signs and symptoms that can show your mental health needs attention. According to the psychological health continuum Mosaic uses developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the below chart shows symptoms you can look for to assess your psychological health.  

Like your physical health, your mental health can change throughout the course of your life — and can worsen if you don’t take care of yourself. Consider taking the first step by talking to a trusted family member, friend, people leader or counselor. For immediate assistance, employees and their families can call Homewood Health in Canada at 800-663-1142, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  

On September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day, Canadians come together to recognize the injustices committed in our country towards Indigenous Peoples throughout history, including Canada’s Residential Schools system. On this day, we remember our shared history, and pledge our commitment to learning and understanding more about Indigenous Peoples and their culture.

As we pause to reflect on the significance of this day and acknowledge the truths of the past, Mosaic is doing its part to help pave the way for a more inclusive future.

Mosaic’s operations in Saskatchewan sit on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories, which are the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota and Nakota peoples and the homeland of the Métis.

“Since 2017 we’ve provided Cultural Awareness Training to employees across Saskatchewan on an ongoing basis. We've learned a lot about Canada's history, but the learning never stops,” says Tyler Hopson, Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations. “At Mosaic, we’re working to continue the conversation and find meaningful ways to support and connect with First Nations and Métis peoples.”

Investing in Culture

Mosaic understands the importance and significance of powwows for Indigenous cultures as a place to come together to celebrate, pray and heal. In the summer of 2023, Mosaic invested $50,000 into community pow wows throughout Saskatchewan, as well as a sponsorship of the Back to Batoche festival.
The National Historic site of Wanuskewin shares the history of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. Wanuskewin has a goal of becoming an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in May, Mosaic supported this goal with a $500,000 investment. 

Providing Warm Meals

Along with helping the world grow the food it needs, it’s also a priority for Mosaic to help fight food insecurity in our communities. This year, Mosaic committed $100,000 to food programs supporting Indigenous Peoples living with food insecurity. Mosaic’s support was shared equally among the Regina Food Bank, Chili for Children and the Al Ritchie Community Program.

Empowerment through Employment

By 2025, Mosaic has committed to ensuring 15 percent of our annual new hires are Indigenous People. Also, 15 percent of our procurement and community investment dollars will be with Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations each year.

Mosaic invested in the Morris Interactive Digital Transformation in Potash Mining. The 10-week program gives Indigenous students in-depth education about working in the potash industry in various roles, and a 2-week work placement at one of Mosaic’s Potash mining sites. 

“The Digital Transformation in Potash Mining program is an innovative way to increase the representation of Indigenous People in Mosaic’s workforce, and it also makes us stronger as a company when we have employees from diverse backgrounds,” says Hopson.
 

Mosaic’s Chief Executive Officer, Joc O’Rourke, is taking to the sky to join STARS Air Ambulance on a mission this September. The goal is to raise funds to ensure the life-saving organization can continue to respond to people anywhere in Saskatchewan and deliver critical care.

“I find it tremendously comforting to know that STARS is ready to depart from the Mosaic Hangar in Regina to provide care to one of our nearly 2,000 Saskatchewan-based employees, their families or neighbors in a worst-case scenario,” said Joc O’Rourke, Mosaic’s CEO. “A lifeline for patients in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, STARS’ services are invaluable to our province – and I feel strongly about doing my part to help STARS reach the patients who need it most.”

Rescue on the Prairie will take a flight on September 21 from Regina and transport Joc, along with three other participants, to a remote location. Once at the remote site, Joc and three other competitors will be partnered with a STARS’ pilot or responder, and the pair will compete in rescue challenges. The tasks are similar to situations STARS' crews face daily, assessing their medical, aviation, and endurance proficiencies.

Joc and the other contestants will also raise funds, needing $50,000 to be rescued and returned to civilization. You can pledge your support for STARS and Joc by making donations to his campaign here.

Rescue on the Prairie has raised $2.7 million for STARS Air Ambulance to date. Watch the STARS’ 2022 highlight video to learn about Rescue on the Prairies.

A Sky-High Partnership
Mosaic has supported STARS in Saskatchewan with $10.5 million towards its life-saving missions since 2011. Mosaic’s funding supported STARS’s first capital campaign to bring STARS to Saskatchewan, helicopter fleet and equipment upgrades, staff training, and its day-to-day operations. The STARS Regina hanger is called the Mosaic Hanger.

TAMPA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 29, 2023 / The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) today announced that Joc O'Rourke intends to retire and that Mosaic's Board of Directors has unanimously elected Bruce Bodine, currently SVP - North America, to succeed Mr. O'Rourke as the Company's Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2024. Mr. O'Rourke relinquished the title of President effective immediately and will resign as CEO and a member of the Mosaic Board of Directors effective December 31, 2023, after which Mr. O'Rourke will serve as a Senior Advisor until mid-2024. Mr. Bodine has been elected President of the company and a member of the Mosaic Board of Directors effective immediately.

"Joc's leadership over the past 8 years strengthened Mosaic," said Greg Ebel, Chairman of Mosaic's Board of Directors. "The company today is larger, more geographically diverse, more resilient and in excellent financial condition. My fellow directors join me in wishing him all the best as he transitions to a well-deserved retirement. The board has full confidence in Bruce and the other members of Mosaic's talented Senior Leadership Team. Together they will build on Joc's legacy of success on behalf of all Mosaic stakeholders."

"I am proud of Mosaic's accomplishments over the past decade, and I know Bruce will lead the company to still greater success," Mr. O'Rourke said. "It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as President and CEO alongside Mosaic's thousands of exceptionally talented people around the world."

Mr. Bodine has worked for Mosaic and its predecessor company for many years and held a number of executive roles, including Senior Vice President - Potash, Senior Vice President - Phosphates, and Vice President-Supply Chain. In his role as SVP - North America he also led the North American Sales team. Additionally, he led the integration of Mosaic's North America Businesses and currently leads enterprise-wide operations.

"I am grateful for the support of the Mosaic Board of Directors and my extremely talented management team colleagues," Mr. Bodine said. "Joc's leadership made Mosaic stronger. We will continue to meet Mosaic's noble mission-to help the world grow the food it needs-while operating safely and responsibly."

About The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada, David Cohen and the US Consul General, Holly Waeger Monster, toured Mosaic’s Belle Plaine facility in July during their visit to Saskatchewan. It was also an opportunity to meet the people who produce the potash that US farmers and industrial users depend on.   

The Ambassador and Consul General spent time with Mosaic team members to learn more about Belle Plaine’s unique white products and the solution mining process. The Ambassador was briefed on the recent port strike and how it impacts potash supply chains into international markets, global potash market dynamics, and the company’s sustainability efforts, including Mosaic’s 2040 company-wide net zero target. The Ambassador and Consul General then toured Mosaic’s lab, refinery and a product warehouse.  

Earlier in July, Sarah Fedorchuk, VP Public Affairs and Government Relations, North America and Tyler Hopson, Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager, met with the Ambassador at his July 4th celebration in Ottawa. Tyler and Sarah attended the gathering to show Mosaic's support for trade relations and cooperation between the U.S. and Canada. 

June is National Safety Month and throughout the month, we recognized a few of the heroes across our North America Business who lead by example when it comes to safety.  

At Mosaic, Kay Gala is the Finance Manager for Capital and Operations Support, an important and busy job. In addition to providing capital reporting and operations support for Potash and Phosphates, Kay also manages capital payroll for more than 100 employees. But those duties are just part of what keeps Kay occupied. He’s also a dedicated father to two daughters, Prisha (6) and Kaysha (3), whom he shares with his wife, Urvi Gala, the love of his life. Raising two children for Kay and Urvi has been a joyful and learning experience, mainly because they are raising their daughters in Canada, but they both grew up in Mumbai, India.  

Across Continents and Cultures

In 2008, Kay left Mumbai, India to, pursue his Master of Science (M. Sc.) at the North Carolina State University in Raleigh, USA, while his then-girlfriend, Urvi, left Mumbai to pursue her M.Sc. at the University of Saskatchewan. Kay relocated to Saskatchewan in 2012 to reunite with Urvi and start their life together.  Kay says raising their children in Canada has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. Kay grew up in a joint family with three generations living together, who all took on the responsibilities of raising and caring for children. “It’s challenging for me and Urvi to raise our children so much differently than how we grew up, and without our family around,” says Kay.  With family in India, Kay and Urvi work hard to maintain strong ties with family by inviting them to visit Saskatchewan and using technology to stay connected, which ensures their daughters understand their roots and heritage. “We try our best to have their grandparents visit often, and when they do, we can see the connection right away,” says Kay. “They try their best to share tradition and be a source of comfort and support for our girls and help them to be culturally connected.”

Achieving work-life balance with Mosaic

Since Kay and Urvi don't have local family support, Kay says caring for children would be much more difficult without Mosaic's flexible and hybrid work schedule that allows him to start work earlier or later, depending on his family needs. Kay has worked at Mosaic since 2021 and says it's a family-friendly workplace. "Mosaic has been super supportive of young families with kids," says Kay. "There's a lot of flexibility, and I truly appreciate it. Fatherhood has been a life-changing experience for me, and it’s changed my perspective and taught me how to be patient and selfless.”

Mosaic continues to be a place where employees can excel in their careers while finding the support they need as parents. We extend our warmest wishes to all fathers and their diverse roles. Happy Father's Day!

Since 2013, Mosaic has committed $24 million to healthcare programs and foundations in Saskatchewan. These investments are essential for the people living in the communities where we operate in and make a significant difference to their well-being while increasing access to healthcare services.

"Each year, we invest more than $7 million into Saskatchewan communities," said Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice President- Government and Public Affairs. "Our goal is to be a thoughtful and engaged neighbour who invests carefully and generously to make a difference."

Soaring higher with STARS

In 2011, Mosaic contributed $5.5 million to help bring STARS to Saskatchewan. With many of the company’s facilities located in rural Saskatchewan, the service means access to timely and critical health care. To date, Mosaic has nearly doubled its original support with a total of $10.5 million. STARS air ambulance provides a critical link between Saskatchewan’s hospitals. STARS air ambulance provides a critical link between Saskatchewan’s hospitals. 

Building strong foundations in Moose Jaw and Yorkton

Mosaic is the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s largest donor, having invested more than $3.7 million into healthcare in the city since 2011. From investing in the capital campaign for the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, to supporting improvements to technology and patient care, Mosaic is proud to be a committed partner for Moose Jaw. 

In the last decade, Mosaic has committed $350,000 to the Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan to ensure neighbouring communities near the company’s Esterhazy operations have access to advanced medication procedures and equipment. In 2022, Mosaic’s funding supported the purchase of diagnostic imaging equipment at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. This investment allowed the hospital to purchase an echocardiogram and a new diagnostic ultrasound machine. Mosaic’s support for hospital foundations also extended to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation and the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

Caring for little heroes as Saskatchewan’s first Children’s Hospital

Since 2011, Mosaic has invested $9.3 million into the Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital, Saskatchewan’s first and only children’s hospital. The hospital offers specialized health care for children. Since opening in 2019, thousands of Saskatchewan families have been able to stay in Saskatchewan while their children receive advanced medical care and treatment.

A family’s time in a care facility can be exhausting, all without the comforts of home and a routine. Mosaic’s Child Life Program aims to provide support beyond medical procedures for children visiting the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Around 2,800 children have participated in the program’s more than 1,000 events focused on specialized music, art, medical play, and literacy for children at the hospital. The program helps to reduce stress, build confidence, and promote education. This program positively impacts the children during their care and when they leave the hospital and return to their regular routines.

The Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala, presented by Mosaic, raises money for the foundation to implement specialized healthcare equipment in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. It's a priority for Mosaic to invest in the JPCHF foundation because many Saskatchewan families require the services offered at the hospital. 

Bringing specialized medical equipment and care to Saskatchewan 

Mosaic supported the Hospitals of Regina Foundation with a lead donation of $2.5 million in 2006, to establish The Mosaic Heart Centre outfitted with life-saving equipment and technology in the Cardiac Catherization Lab at the Regina General Hospital, now recognized as the provincial cardiac centre of excellence. The leading-edge imaging technology allows doctors to treat and diagnose numerous heart issues. In 2019, Mosaic’s support for the centre got the community involved. Mosaic committed to matching community donations of up to $1 million for the Cardiac Care Campaign, and together, $2 million was raised for the same cath lab. 

Up in Saskatoon, Mosaic’s $500,000 investment brought Saskatchewan’s first digital transmission electron microscope to St. Paul’s Hospital. The state-of-the art equipment helps reduce biopsy wait times for kidney, cardiac and neurological illnesses. 
 

The depth of Mosaic’s K3 mine demands more attention to manage ground conditions for the crews working a kilometre under the earth’s surface. K3 is 150 to 300 feet deeper than K1 and K2, and the increased depth results in shifting conditions which adds a new challenge for Mosaic employees that requires a strict adherence to safety procedures. 

K3 Sr. Mine Manager, Brad Danylko said because of added safety precautions at K3, every shift starts and ends with the same question, “Did you check your ground?”

“It’s the first question at the beginning of the day and a common question that’s asked throughout the day to ensure it’s at the top of everyone’s minds,” said Brad.

Because of the depth of K3, more attention to ground conditions is required than at K1 and K2.  

As a result, Brad implemented “Own Your Ground,” a program designed to keep ground conditions top-of-mind for underground crews. “The ownership is on all of us to ensure we do our due diligence of checking the ground in our work areas,” said Brad. “It’s the right thing to do for yourself, your partner, your people, and your families to ensure we all go home safely every day.”
 

The program not only focuses on increasing the knowledge and capabilities of the K3 underground workforce by inspecting their areas, it also provides the tools they need to work safely.  Crews use solid-core aluminum scaling bars in various lengths to check the ground conditions by applying pressure to surfaces with the bars. These bars have been spread throughout K3 and are placed on all motorized vehicles for employees to easily use. Another addition to heightening awareness around ground control are pocket safety cards that read, "Did you Check Scale Today?" 

Trevor Lippai is the Ground Control Operational Superintendent at K3, and helps the mine manage and adapt to the ever-changing ground conditions. “Learning how the ground reacts and why it reacts the way it does is key to understanding the ground,” said Trevor. K3 has a patrol that conducts monthly ground checks to spot inconsistencies in any ground movement from the previous month. 

The feedback from the employees at K3 has been positive, and “Own Your Ground” is a staple in the daily routines. 

These practices at K3 were implemented after collaborating with experts at Mosaic’s Colonsay mine, which also experiences changes in ground conditions. 

“At the end of the day, we are all here doing a job and wanting to return to our families safely,” said Trevor.

“He shoots! He scores!” Words ring through the air at any hockey game in North America. But when the Tampa Bay Lighting, Regina Pats, and the Moose Jaw Warriors score a goal on home ice, that’s a point for the team and a point for fighting hunger in their communities. 

Mosaic is committed to helping and supporting our community’s most vulnerable by giving to local food charities and engaging the community in our efforts through our Goals for Food program. 

$980,000 = 9,800,000 meals for Florida 

In the Tampa Bay Lightning’s regular season, Mosaic donated $1,000 for every goal scored and $1,500 for every hat trick. At the end of the season, Mosaic will present 12 regional food partners in the Tampa Bay area with the total amount. 

Goals for Food in the Tampa Bay area has been serving the communities since 2013. In those ten years, Mosaic has donated $980,000, which amounts to 9,800,000 meals. 

“For Mosaic, giving back to the communities we live and work in is a priority because those towns and cities have provided us with our teams and have also welcomed us in,” said Bruce Bodine, Mosaic’s Senior VP-North America. “Partnering with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Regina Pats, and the Moose Jaw Warriors for the Goals for Food program is a way we can support those communities’ most vulnerable people, but also engage with the public to be part of the fight against food insecurity.”  

On February 23, Mosaic employees, community partners, and Lightning fans came to cheer on their team and raise awareness about food insecurity in the region. Mosaic community partner, Metropolitan Ministries also hosted a non-perishable food drive prior to the game. 

Going on the offensive against hunger in Saskatchewan  

At Mosaic, we help the world grow the food it needs, and our commitment to food security starts right here at home.  This year, Mosaic launched the Goals for Food program in Canada, partnering with two of Saskatchewan’s Western Hockey League teams, the Regina Pats, and the Moose Jaw Warriors. 

For every goal scored by the Regina Pats and the Moose Jaw Warriors on home ice, Mosaic donated $250 to Goals for Food, supporting four local not-for-profit organizations in each community. In the 2022-23 season, the Goals for Food program raised $36,000 in Regina and $34,000 in Moose Jaw. 

On March 25 in Regina and March 31 in Moose Jaw, Mosaic employees, community partners and Pats and Warriors fans celebrated this partnership at the Goals for Food sponsor games. 

Previously, Mosaic sponsored efforts towards alleviating hunger in Regina with its Saves for Hunger program and in the Moose Jaw area with its Point for Hunger initiative. 
 

Mosaic’s Esterhazy and Belle Plaine facilities recently received Safety Achievement Awards from the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA). 

The SMA is an industry organization representing Saskatchewan’s mining and mineral exploration industry. Employees at both Mosaic mines were recognized for their safety successes/injury statistics. Over the last decade, Mosaic has improved safety at its facilities by 70%.

The SMA annually recognizes member companies that realized an injury rating of zero. The SMA rating is achieved by a calculation of Lost Time Injury (LTI) and Modified Work Injury (MWI) frequency rate plus 10% of the LTI and MWI severity rate

The awards presentation was held during the SMA’s Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon on March 2. Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, Don Morgan presented the award alongside representatives from the SMA to the Esterhazy and Belle Plaine sites.  

These awards represent Mosaic’s commitment to ensure all personnel return home safely every day. At Mosaic, safety is our top priority, and we believe no task or tonne of product is more important than the safety of our employees and contractors. Mosaic achieves this through continuous training and safety improvements at all our facilities. 
 

In 2022, Mosaic invested millions towards economic reconciliation by supporting Indigenous culture and education programs in Saskatchewan. We sponsored events and initiatives like building two sweat lodges, summer pow wows, Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day, and long-term educational programs like the Morris Interactive Digital Transformation in Potash Mining program.

Celebrating and learning Indigenous history

When you step onto the great plains of the Canadian prairies, you’ll see a vast territory filled with a rich history of the people who have lived on these lands for years. The sense of those here before us is ever so present in Batoche, Saskatchewan, the traditional homeland of the Métis and the site of the final battlefield of the Northwest Resistance of 1885.

Located one hour northeast of Saskatoon, the national historic site of Batoche is where the annual celebration of Métis history and culture is held, Back to Batoche Days.

The four-day event celebrates Métis traditions through storytelling, fiddling, jigging, square dancing, traditional food, music, art, traditional land-use teachings, voyageur games, chuck wagon racing, sports, contemporary games, and Indigenous language, and in 2022, Back of Batoche Days celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Mosaic Company sponsored the internationally recognized event where 10,000 people from all backgrounds came to embrace and learn about the Métis.

Coming together 

Inside the dome-like structure, with soaring temperatures, a sweat lodge is a place for mental, physical, and spiritual healing and prayer for many Indigenous peoples. For each community, their sweat lodge may serve a different purpose, but all the lodges share the same connection for that community, a link to their culture.

In 2022, Mosaic funded two sweat lodges to be built in Saskatchewan, one for Zagime Anishinabek First Nations, and the second for Ochapowace First Nation.

It starts with education

The connection to one’s heritage can also be felt, or rather heard, at a pow wow ceremony. In the summer of 2022, with our most significant sponsorship of the year, Mosaic supported several Indigenous pow wows’, cultural celebrations, and historic days including National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day/Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day. The day focused on learning and reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. Thousands attended the event in Regina at Mosaic Stadium, including students, leaders, and residential school survivors.

In August, Mosaic announced a $1 million investment in the Morris Interactive Digital Transformation in Potash Mining (DTPM) program, which provides education and career skills to Indigenous students. The 10-week program involves eight weeks of classes and two weeks of a practicum at Mosaic’s Colonsay mine.

Continuing this partnership, Mosaic also invested $1 million over five years into DTPM. The program aligns with Mosaic’s commitment to ensuring 15 percent of new hires are Indigenous peoples by 2025. 

Mosaic also showed its commitment to education by providing more than one thousand hot, nutritious lunches to students in Regina’s North Central neighbourhood through the Chili for Children initiative. 

More than a Game

It might look like just a group of kids shooting some hoops. But what happens on a basketball court is so much more. It’s a safe place for youth to learn about teamwork, build relationships, and grow as athletes and people. Buckets & Borders completed its “Project Pick n Roll” with the restoration of three basketball courts in Regina’s north central neighbourhood in June 2022. The youth who play at the three courts were involved in the design of the courts. Mosaic partnered with Buckets & Borders for the project.

Design and development are underway for a third compaction circuit that will be added at Esterhazy’s K1 mill to increase blend-grade production capacity. When operational by the end of 2023, this third circuit will provide additional production flexibility to meet varying market demand for our different potash products.

Now running on all cylinders, Mosaic’s Esterhazy operation is one of the largest, most competitive potash mines in the world. Both shafts at K3 have been in operation for more than a year, and production continues to ramp up towards full hoisting capacity of more than 72,500 tonnes per day. A new daily hoisting record of 63,180 tonnes was reached in September 2022. 

Having both shafts in production removes historical ore handling constraints at Esterhazy and ensures capacity for additional ore supply as more mining machines are assembled underground and put into production. Commissioning of a twelfth four-rotor mining machine began in January, and a thirteenth is expected to be completed later this year. 

All machines in K3’s fleet can operate autonomously in fully developed production areas – which reduces risk for our employees and eliminates downtime, as they can be safely operated 24/7. 

Integrated Operations: Operational Visibility and Real-Time Information

K3 is built on technology and innovation. It is designed to provide annual production of 6 million tonnes, which is about 60,000 rail cars full of potash. This means moving 17-19 million tonnes of ore per year. 

Much of those operations are now being monitored and run from a technology-enabled pilot Integrated Operations Center, or IOC, on the surface at K2. Cameras and sensors monitor allow employees in the IOC to view the entire 12-kilometer conveyance system that transports ore from where it is mined 3,350 feet underground, up through the shafts, and across the surface to the K1 and K2 mills for processing. 

“The goal of this IOC is to improve production capabilities and increase reliability by integrating our operations from when the ore is mined to when product is loaded on railcars to ship out to our customers,” said Dustin Maksymchuk, General Manager – Esterhazy. “This provides our employees with the operational visibility and information they need, and they are empowered to act on that data in real-time.” 

Integrating operations has also allowed us to build management systems and governance processes that help us operate efficiently, effectively, repeatably and sustainably. It also provides new opportunities for employees. “Employees helped us design the IOC, and their input will continue to be crucial as we move forward,” said Dustin. 

New roles were created to support integrated operations, including IOC Coordinators responsible for managing the daily operations plan. There are also training and developmental opportunities available for employees to learn about and help refine automated mining controls and systems. 

Helping support, manage and implement change is a focus across Mosaic. The Esterhazy Team recently held training for Change Management Project Leads and are ingraining Change Management in their culture through dedicated resources, documented processes, ongoing training and continuous improvement feedback.

Leveraging the Full Capacity of K1 & K2 Mills 

With both shafts at K3 up and running, operations at Esterhazy are no longer shaft-limited and can leverage the full capability of the mills.  In addition to the IOC and implementation of new processes like Short-Interval Control, which helps employees maximize production by improving coordination and optimizing runtime, there is other work underway to improve operational reliability of the mills and ensure they are utilized to the fullest capacity. 

At the K1 mill, a third compaction circuit is being added that will improve our ability to convert standard tons to granular tons. This means more blend-grade product, which gives us additional production flexibility to meet market demand for specific products. This project is underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2023. 

At the K2 mill, a project was recently approved to add a hydrofloat circuit that will increase K2’s overall production capability by 400,000 tonnes – 80 percent of which will be natural crystal granular and the remaining standard product.
  
Staying Focused on Delivering on our Commitments 

Throughout the K3 ramp-up and as we look ahead, the Esterhazy team has remained focused on delivering on our commitments and providing the products our customers need to feed the world. 

Over 100 risk reduction projects were completed in 2022, each one an employee idea that helps reduce safety or environmental risks. The K1 and K2 mills operated without a recordable injury for the entire year. We are also making considerable progress improving the safety culture across the site by focusing on employee awareness of ground conditions at K3 and heightened daily inspections in all immediate work areas to identify and address potential hazards. 

“Our talented workforce is looking to the future and finding new ways to increase safety, efficiency and connection across our immense operating footprint – building a ‘digital mine’ to power us into the future,” said Dustin. “Employees are leading innovative, technology-enabled improvements that will help ensure we have the operational capacity, reliability and flexibility we need to meet the changing needs of our customers. We’re also remaining focused on safe, responsible operations and investing in our team and local communities.” 

This includes our commitment to partnering with local Indigenous communities and building a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture. “The sustainability of our business and our communities are indelibly linked, and we’re proud of the progress we’re making in these areas,” said Dustin. “We’re taking action to strengthen local communities and ensure Mosaic is a place where all people feel welcome, safe, valued and respected.” 

Funds and gifts from the Esterhazy Team’s holiday celebrations were donated to three local food banks in Esterhazy, Langenburg and Churchbridge. Pictured above: Raelene Andres, Sr. Administrative Assistant – Esterhazy, presenting a check to Lynette Griffith with Esterhazy and Area Hampers.

During the week of January 8, Esterhazy employees joined with others across Mosaic to launch Employee Inclusion Networks – voluntary, employee-led and leader-sponsored groups that help foster a diverse and inclusive workforce through advocacy and allyship.

The launch of The Mosaic Company’s Employee Inclusion Networks (EINs) last month means the company will be a more inclusive place to work for all its team members.

From January 30 through February 2, Mosaic hosted engaging virtual and in-person events around the world to celebrate all its employees' diversity and uniqueness which makes the company stronger.

“Employee Inclusion Networks are voluntary, employee-led and leader-sponsored groups, that through advocacy and allyship help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive,” said Mosaic’s Lisa Poissant, Vice President of Human Resources, North America & Global Talent Acquisition and EIN Lead. 

The six Employee Inclusions Networks are:

• Pride
• Generations
• Women
• Veterans
• Race & Heritage
• Diverse Abilities

In Canada, Mosaic has committed to increasing Indigenous representation within the company to at least 15 percent by 2025 across three core areas: Community Investment, workforce new hires and procurement.

During EIN launch week, Mosaic hosted featured events and activities presented by each network, including live broadcasts from Florida and Sao Paolo, Brazil. Watch parties were held across Mosaic’s facilities in Saskatchewan, bringing together employees to learn and celebrate.  

American astronomer and Planetary Protection Engineer, Dr. Moogega Cooper, was joined by Mosaic’s CEO and President, Joc O’Rourke for a keynote presentation. Dr. Cooper shared her perspective on the power of diversity in teams, being an ally and inclusive leadership.

The Pride Network hosted two sessions with guest speakers, Rene Cantu from Equity Florida and JP Polo, DE&I Consultant and Professor based in Brazil, who presented on LGBTQIA+ literacy. The Race & Heritage and Generations Networks hosted in-person discussions with their colleagues using thought-provoking videos. The Women’s Network brought together two panels of leaders from across Mosaic to share their personal stories that have defined their careers.

Disability public speaker and advocate, Catarina Rivera, headlined the Diverse Abilities event, highlighting accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. Employees also shared their experiences with diverse abilities inside and outside the workplace. The Veteran’s Network hosted a panel discussion that included the voices of veterans, military spouses, and families of the fallen.

“Thank you to our Network Leads and to all those employees who organized and hosted events across the company – their efforts play an important role in making progress towards our 2030 Diversity and Inclusion Commitments,” said Poissant. “Together, we are taking steps to build a diverse and inclusive workforce that makes Mosaic stronger and better enables us to fulfill our mission: to help the world grow the food it needs.”

Learn more about Mosaic’s approach to Diversity & Inclusion.

The 109th Grey Cup Festival has come and gone, and to say it was a resounding success is a major understatement. Over 1,200 volunteers worked tirelessly to make Grey Cup Festival week a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tens of thousands of attendees at the various activities planned throughout the week. From Mosaic Village to Team Party rooms, to drone shows, live concerts, and Sunday’s sold-out Grey Cup Championship Game held at Mosaic Stadium – there was no shortage of Grey Cup excitement in Regina.

Mosaic’s Senior Leadership Team was also in attendance to take in all the action and participated in multiple events throughout the week. Most notably, Mosaic’s announced our $1M investment in Employment & Training Program in the YWCA Regina’s New Center for Women & Families. We also engaged with members of the business community at the Grey Cup Festival Business Summit presented by Mosaic, and in the morning prior to Sunday’s Championship Game, we hosted The Mosaic Tailgate Brunch.

As the community gathered for the Mosaic sponsored 2022 Grey Cup Festival in Regina, Mosaic’s CEO and President, Joc O’Rourke shared the company’s plans to invest $1M in the new Centre’s Employment and Training Program, designed to create equitable opportunities for the women and families the YWCA Regina serves. 

“The YWCA’s New Centre for Women and Families will be a community hub with enormous impact,” said Mosaic’s President & CEO, Joc O’Rourke. “Mosaic is honored to be a positive force for change in Regina by partnering with the YWCA on this transformational project.”  

The 85,000 sq ft YWCA Regina Centre for Women and Families building will operate with a trauma informed approach and wrap-around services that provide crisis and preventative supports through the work of YWCA Regina and partnerships with other community serving organizations and visiting practitioners.  

Earlier in the week, Mosaic’s President & CEO Joc O’Rourke also delivered the keynote address at the Grey Cup Festival Business Summit presented by Mosaic. Joc spoke about the important role Saskatchewan’s potash plays in feeding the world and the technology that’s powering progress at the world’s largest, most efficient, and technologically advanced potash operations in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. Later he joined other Saskatchewan business leaders for a panel discussion on Saskatchewan’s advancements in mining and agriculture.
 

MOSAIC COMMITS $1 MILLION TO FUND NEW PROGRAM IN YWCA REGINA’S CENTER FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES  

As the community gathered for the Mosaic sponsored 2022 Grey Cup Festival in Regina, Mosaic’s CEO and President, Joc O’Rourke shared the company’s plans to invest in the new Centre’s Employment and Training Program, designed to create equitable opportunities for the women and families the YWCA Regina serves. 

The 85,000 sq ft YWCA Regina Centre for Women and Families building will operate with a trauma informed approach and wrap-around services that provide crisis and preventative supports through the work of YWCA Regina and partnerships with other community serving organizations and visiting practitioners.  

These supports will address the barriers that keep vulnerable women and children in homelessness and violent situations. The building will also feature community multi-purpose spaces, access to drop-in supports and essential needs, communal kitchens, and indoor and outdoor play areas. The Centre will include a healing and ceremony lodge stewarded by Indigenous community partners to provide access to cultural connection and Indigenous ways of knowing. 

“The Centre for Women and Families is about preventing crisis before it happens, and investing in education and skill building for those facing inequities and barriers in our community is integral to this,” says YWCA CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, “We are incredibly grateful to The Mosaic Company for stepping up and working to build equity and access in our province.” 

The project will cost $63 million to build. In June of 2022, YWCA Regina announced a $33.9 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a $1 million investment from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and a $2 million contribution through gift of land from the City of Regina. Including Mosaic’s commitment, over $13 million has been raised through the Community Campaign with $7 million more to go. 

“The YWCA’s New Centre for Women and Families will be a community hub with enormous impact,” said Mosaic’s President & CEO, Joc O’Rourke. “Mosaic is honored to be a positive force for change in Regina by partnering with the YWCA on this transformational project.”  

Construction on the Centre started in October 2022 and the building is set for completion in the fall of 2024. 

MEDIA RELEASE (Thursday, October 13, 2022)

Mosaic Million Meal Challenge launches to raise one million meals for Regina Food Bank during record food insecurity.

Today Regina Food Bank launched the Mosaic Million Meal Challenge, an annual citywide campaign to raise food and funds with The Mosaic Company. Regina Food Bank is seeing record food insecurity driven by rising food costs. It is preparing to deliver over 140,000 points of service by the end of the year, compared to 120,378 points of service in 2021. This underscores the need for donations. The Mosaic Company will match every meal donated in October, up to 150,000 meals. 

“Our community has shown us that together we can make a difference in fighting hunger,” said Sarah Fedorchuk – Vice President, Government & Public Affairs – The Mosaic Company. “In just two years, the Mosaic Million Meal Challenge has raised over 2.75 million meals. The community continues to rise to the challenge, and we’re proud to join them.”

As hunger hits close to home, Regina Food Bank’s scale of impact is its greatest in its 40-year history. 13,000 lbs of food is distributed daily to households, schools, and community agencies across Regina. 

“We get food to people when they need it, where they need it, said John Bailey – Chief Executive Officer, Regina Food Bank. “We want people to understand that every time they give funds, it’s a way of sharing a meal with their neighbours who are struggling to get by. Every dollar can make a difference.”

This year, the theme, You CAN, will show the community how they can improve food security. A series of events will take place for the community to experience or participate in. Stuff the Bus returns on November 5, 2022, opening the transit door for community to donate food and funds at Sherwood Co-op, or register for food donations to be collected from their doorsteps. 

For over 35 years October has been Food Drive Month for Regina Food Bank. Since Mosaic Million Meal Challenged launched in 2020, the community has raised 2.75 million meals for Regina Food Bank users, showing that together we can improve food security. Visit reginafoodbank.ca to donate funds and learn how to join the Mosaic Million Meal Challenge. 

For media requests and interview, please contact:

Melissa Fiacco
Manager, Storytelling & Campaigns | Regina Food Bank
P 306.520.7457 | reginafoodbank.ca | #MillionMealChallenge

Sarah Fedorchuk
Vice President, Government & Public Affairs – North America | The Mosaic Company
P 306-526-7560 | mosaicincanada.com | #MillionMealChallenge
 

After a two year hiatus, we’re back and rock ‘n out in the classroom! The long-standing GeoVenture Teachers Program returned this past summer.
 
The program, which is part of the Saskatchewan Mining Association’s Education Outreach Program, allows educators a closer look at Mosaic’s potash operations and opportunity to visit mines sites throughout Saskatchewan.
 
As the world’s leading producer of potash products, Mosaic welcomed participants to its Colonsay facility in August for a tour of the site and a few lessons about the production process. During their time onsite, participants learned about the mining process and potash, including the role it plays in Mosaic’s mission and agriculture as a whole.
 
Participants geared up, stepped into the cage, and journeyed 1,100 meters into the earth to get a closer look at our equipment, the patterns from laser-guided mining machines and potash conveyor belts. They even got to take home their own potash samples!

“We’re excited to have the GeoVenture Teachers Program back up and running and share with teachers a first-hand look at the mining industry and the essential operations happening underneath our feet everyday,” said Pam Schwann, SMA President. “Teachers play such an important role preparing students for the world outside the classroom and we hope this program will help give them a unique insight for lessons in it.” 
 
For more than 35 years, the GeoVenture Teachers Program has developed over 700 educator-ambassadors for Saskatchewan's mineral sector. As an engaged neighbor, we are honored to play a part in helping to cultivate a positive awareness of Saskatchewan’s potash contribution to the community sector for residents of all ages.
 

THE MOSAIC COMPANY INVESTS $1 MILLION DOLLARS IN ECONOMIC RECONCILIATION THROUGH PARTNER MORRIS INTERACTIVE’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN POTASH MINING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

This week Mosaic’s senior leaders and board of directors were in Saskatchewan, Canada to meet with stakeholders and tour the company’s Esterhazy potash operations, where innovative technologies move potash cut by autonomous mining machines to surface and across miles of enclosed conveyor belts to two massive processing mills. Most of the process is managed from a digitally powered Integrated Operations Center (IOC). While much of the process now runs with less human intervention, behind the screens and scenes are digital experts – and their skills are in high demand in the mining industry.  

Building a Talent Pipeline 

In 2020, Morris Interactive received support from the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), and in consultation with Mosaic, Cowessess First Nation and other Nations, various Indigenous scholars and industry sponsors, developed training program curriculum for driven First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals to hone their digital skills used in the potash industry.  

Supporting the training program aligns with Mosaic’s bold Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets. Mosaic’s Esterhazy operations neighbor several First Nations communities. In 2018, Mosaic announced targets to ensure the company reflects and supports the Indigenous communities that surround our operations – aiming to increase Indigenous new hires, procurement spend and community investments by 15% by 2025. 

Recently, we went a step farther, strengthening their commitment to diversity and inclusion by releasing targets to increase representation of women and underrepresented groups, leadership diversity and community investment focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives globally by 30% by 2030. 

Digital Transformation in Potash Mining Training Program 

Grounded in Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #92, the ten-week training program is built on Morris Interactive’s ten years of authentic and meaningful relationships with Indigenous and industry clients. The course is designed to be community-specific with an overall training philosophy of student success, long-term fulfilling careers, mutual respect, and shared economic benefit. 

A pilot program was hosted on, and in partnership with Cowessess First Nation and surrounding Nations in early 2022. The pilot included a two-week practicum at Mosaic’s Esterhazy operations and resulted in nine Indigenous graduates, five of which have acquired jobs in mining. Program alumni, Robert Kay Jr. says the program gave him the knowledge he needed to start a career in the potash industry, “The course helped me understand the potash mining process. I now work with Noble, a Mosaic contractor, where I often find myself sharing pieces of knowledge that I learned in the program with my colleagues.” 

An Investment in our Future Workforce 

On August 17, Mosaic held a reception where CEO and President, Joc O’Rourke and Board Chair, Greg Ebel announced a long-term investment of $1 million dollars to further expand the Digital Transformation in Potash Mining training program to more Indigenous students for the next five years.

“Mosaic’s role in Saskatchewan is far bigger than just the potash we produce. Investing in the community is a cornerstone of how we do business,” said Joc O’Rourke. “We believe it is our responsibility to be true partners to the Indigenous communities near our operations. This is an investment in Saskatchewan, the potash industry and in Indigenous people and the communities they call home.” 

Morris Interactive’s CEO, Mathew Cey shared how this significant investment will support the program’s development, “Over the next five years, Mosaic’s investment will help us deliver collaborative, culturally appropriate, pre-employment training for driven First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals to prepare for careers in the potash industry. This includes mentorship, elder support, and post-course career support far beyond the ten weeks.” 

The next Digital Transformation in Potash Mining course will be delivered in partnership with the Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) this fall. The course will take place in Saskatoon, Treaty 6 Territory and Homeland of the Métis, with practicums at Mosaic’s Colonsay facility.  

Learn more about the Digital Transformation in Potash program here.

We’re helping tackle hunger in Moose Jaw. Mosaic has committed to the renewal of its continued support for the Mosaic Community Food Farm, a two-acre sustainable agricultural project located in the beautiful Wakamow Valley. Operated by a small group of dedicated staff with the help of an enthusiastic pool of volunteers, the farm grows fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables for distribution to a number of food partner organizations in the city of Moose Jaw who would otherwise not have ready access to nourishing produce.
 
Mosaic has proudly supported or invested in the Mosaic Community Food Farm since 2015. Mosaic’s support of the farm is just one example of the company’s broader commitment to fight hunger and promote good health and nutrition in local communities—a commitment which, in turn, is a natural extension of Mosaic’s goal to produce the highest-quality crop nutrient products that will help farmers grow abundant, nutritious crops.

Twenty-six tons and growing. Since its inception and with the help of Mosaic, the farm has provided over 51,000 lbs of fresh produce to Moose Jaw families, with a yield of over 16,000 lbs in 2021 alone! The success of the farm relies on a close collaboration between Mosaic and the Wakamow Valley Authority, as well as the participation of a number of nonprofit agencies who distribute the farm’s produce to those in need, including Hunger in Moose Jaw, the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, and Riverside Mission.

“For every $2.50 in funding Mosaic has contributed to the Mosaic Community Food Farm, the farm has been able to harvest a pound of fresh fruits and vegetables for families in need,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice President Government & Public Affairs, North America. “We’re proud of the fact that what we’re doing here is making a real difference for families in the Moose Jaw area.”
 
Mosaic made the announcement of renewed support to the community food farm during a recent site visit by employees earlier this summer.

What can a journey with Mox the Spirit Bear teach us about Indigenous Peoples? Just ask students from Mosaic’s ten First Nation partner schools in Saskatchewan, who were recently granted exclusive, private access to explore the Indigenous Ingenuity Exhibit. Over three days in April, about 450 students took part in hands-on, experiential STEM learning opportunities including a coding workshop, interactive Indigenous Ingenuity Exhibits like an igloo build and an IMAX film entitled the Great Bear Rainforest featuring the Spirit Bear, Mox.

“My favorite part about the field trip was watching The Great Bear Rainforest at the IMAX,” said Elin, Grade 5. ‘It showed a lot about the animals and how some of the Indigenous People know so much about the animals and how they live.” 

A temporary exhibit, with lasting memories. While the students were only able to visit the science center for a day, there’s nothing quite like an exciting day outside the classroom to ignite their passion for learning and expand their awareness about the history of Indigenous Peoples and their own community — all while having a blast. 

“I really liked the Indigenous Peoples section, the fishing simulator,” said Kylie, Grade 6. “I learned that it is important to know the limits of how many you should take to save the natural resources.”  

Mosaic’s partnership with the Go! Science Outreach Program began in 2018 as a way to bring innovative STEM-based learning opportunities to our First Nation Partner Schools. Over the past five years, Mosaic has invested $89,000 in the program. 

“At Mosaic, we understand that the sustainability of our business and our communities are strongly linked,” said Tyler Hopson, Public Affairs Manager and Indigenous Engagement lead. “This year’s field trip, the first in-person field trip we were able to host since COVID began, was an excellent opportunity to learn about the history — and future —  of indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan.
 
Our commitment to indigenous engagement ensures that by 2025, Mosaic in Canada commits at least 15% of our total community investment dollars, procurement spend and new hires from the indigenous community. Our support for the Saskatchewan Science Center’s Indigenous Ingenuity exhibit is an important part of achieving that goal.    
 

After years of collaboration, development, testing – learning from trial and error along the way – the Esterhazy team is now successfully running K3’s mining machines autonomously in all three “passes” they make to mine an area. The team began testing first-pass automation in April 2021 at K3, and they surpassed an impressive milestone in March – mining one million tons in first-pass automation. Six of the ten machines in K3’s fleet can operate autonomously on the first pass, and all have been operating autonomously on the second and third “side” passes. 

Running these machines with minimal human intervention reduces risk for our employees and eliminates downtime, as they can safely operate 24/7. Automation allows employees who previously worked in close proximity with mining machines to operate and monitor them from a distance – providing better, safer working conditions for employees, while also providing an opportunity to increase production.  

“Two of our main goals when we formed Esterhazy’s automation team in 2015 were to automate the steering of our mining machines in first pass and build the conveyor belt automatically,” explains Anthony Sparvier, K3 Automation Superintendent. “We’ve accomplished both those goals, but there were significant challenges to overcome along the way.” 

Esterhazy’s automation team worked closely with third-party experts throughout design and development – performing extensive tests to confirm the accuracy and reliability of various systems. They also worked with Esterhazy’s geologist to confirm autonomous mining would not have any geological impacts.  

Building operators’ confidence and trust in autonomous operations took some time. “The same control aspects were in place, but the newer mining machines and the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens were quite a bit different than what our people were used to,” explains Sparvier. “All our operators mine differently but our mining algorithm mines the same regardless of who is at the machine, so there was also some confusion and misunderstanding about how the machine steers.”  

Sparvier says the key to building that trust and confidence was involving the operators, transparently sharing about success and challenges along the way, and providing training. “We developed a training presentation with all of the operators from each crew who were at the mining machine when we were initially testing first-pass automation,” says Sparvier. “The training goes over the method, algorithm and what to expect with cutting in automation. It also provided answers to some of the typical questions we were getting about steering.”   

There are still some challenges to overcome, but the Esterhazy team is excited about the progress they are making. “We couldn’t have accomplished all we have without support from all levels of our organization – from our operators to senior leaders,” says Sparvier. “It truly has been a team effort, and we’re not done yet. We still have more training to do, and more projects are on the way to make our automation program more robust, reliable and intuitive.”    

In 2009, Mosaic embarked on our Esterhazy K3 project – a $3 billion-dollar investment in the long-term sustainability of our operations, Esterhazy and the vision we have for the future of our North America Business. More than 12 years and almost 13 million workhours later, the K3 project is nearly complete. The project timeline was accelerated to help offset impacts of the final closure of the K1 and K2 shafts in June 2021.

Esterhazy’s K3 is Saskatchewan’s first new underground potash mine in over a half-century. Potash ore mined 3,350 feet below the surface is hoisted up two shafts – North and South – using equipment in over 330-foot-tall headframes that can be seen spanning the horizon from miles away. Overland conveyor systems then carry K3 ore to the existing K1 and K2 mills for processing.

As of the end of March 2022, there are nine mining machines cutting underground at K3 that can provide up to 50,000 ore tons per day – with a new daily record of 62,000 tons being set on January 23. Another mining machine is nearing production, and three more mining machines and more underground conveyors will be added over the next couple of years.

Read more about Esterhazy K3 here.ΓÇ» 

Nine students from several First Nation communities in Saskatchewan are ready to begin working in the potash industry after completing a two-month Mosaic sponsored mining program from Morris Interactive.  

In January, Mosaic and professional development firm Morris Interactive teamed up with the Cowessess, Zagime Anishinabek, Kahkewistahaw and Ochapowace First Nations community to create a potash mining pilot program.  

“The program was designed to ensure that Aboriginal Peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector. Mosaic provided support to the program from the early stages with curriculum input and safety culture in the potash industry,” said Mosaic’s Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, Earl Greyeyes. 

Following the pilot program, Mosaic provided the nine students with an opportunity to participate in a practicum spanning two weeks. The practicum offered PPE and orientation to graduates, followed by a tour of the Esterhazy K1, K2 and K3 sites. The students were then able to work in various departments job shadowing Mosaic employees. Mosaic also provided the students with accommodations during the practicum. 
     
“These past 8 weeks have truly been a privilege,” said Robert Kay, one of the graduates of the mining program. “I myself entered into this course with little to no knowledge of the history behind mining and what is offered from it today. Thanks to the course I can safely assume all of us can go forth into our careers and lives with a different perspective. I am quite excited to see where this adventure will take me and what awesome challenges it will throw at me.” 

Upon completion of the program, Cowessess student Dion Marion accepted an Indigenous Summer Student position as a Labourer Intern at Esterhazy K2. His start date will be on May 2.

Mosaic’s 2025 Indigenous Engagement Strategy ensures that by 2025, 15% of our total community investment dollars, procurement spend, and new hires are with Indigenous peoples. Learn more about this commitment and how we are working to meet our goals.

Rice is the world’s most widely consumed grain, sustaining approximately half of the world’s population. U.S. rice agriculture provides managed wetlands for North America’s waterfowl and 32 other at-risk species, approximately 3 million acres of rice planted each year. Thus, sustaining working rice lands is one of the most important steps in guaranteeing our nation’s food security and natural resource base.

As the world’s leader in wetlands conservation, Ducks Unlimited (DU) counts the rice industry as a key partner in sustaining the future of waterfowl. The compatibility of on-farm conservation practices that improve water quality and quantity, farm profitability and wildlife habitat led DU to join forces with USA Rice to form the Rice Stewardship Partnership almost a decade ago.

The Mosaic Company Foundation has provided key funding for the Rice Stewardship Partnership’s on-the-ground efforts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, where most of the rice in the U.S. is grown.  

The Partnership helps farmers meet the increased global demand for food by supporting rice yields, while improving environmental performance and farm profitability and preserving wetland resources. Collaborating with leading agricultural, conservation and environmental organizations, the Partnership equips rice producers with the support, knowledge, tools and practices needed to solve current problems and meet future challenges to the rice industry in an environmentally beneficial way.  

Mosaic’s support helps to promote 4R Nutrient Stewardship at the field level to achieve optimal crop uptake of nutrients while minimizing environmental impacts. On-farm improvements and management practices contribute to improved water quality by reducing the levels of nutrients lost to the Mississippi River.  

There are numerous other environmental benefits of the program.  For example, water use efficiency practices, including alternative irrigation strategies, help conserve water and reduce demand on surface and groundwater resources. Further, the Partnership’s practices promote efforts that minimize energy consumption, reduce diesel fuel use, and improve residue management – which translate to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. Employing these practices also supports the profitability needs of the farmer by maximizing inputs and reducing costs.  

Agricultural practices that balance environmental and wildlife needs with the profitability needs of the farmer – all while addressing the global demand for more food – are critical to the future of rice production. To date the program has impacted over 720,000 rice acres to improve 4Rs, water management, and conservation, while providing critical wildlife habitat for migratory waterfowl.