Idaho’s Capitol was abuzz with conversation around resources, sustainability and community as Simplot participated in Idaho Mining Association Day on Thursday, Feb. 1. The event highlighted the state’s mining and mineral production industry through education, advocacy and outreach to Idaho legislators and visitors to the Capitol.
Information booths from Simplot, other mining interests and associated groups filled the 2nd Floor Rotunda from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A view from above: the Simplot booth
About 200 people stopped by the Simplot booth during event. It featured display boards and other information about each of the Company’s projects around the region, as well as giveaway for visitors.
Rick Phillips visits with a legislator
At the direction of Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Alan Prouty, Simplot’s booth was staffed by Senior Environmental Engineering Manager Lori Lusty and AgriBusiness Public Affairs Manager Rick Phillips. They visited with legislators, state agency staff, the public, and other mining companies. As part of the economic backbone of southeast Idaho, Smoky Canyon Mine and the Don Plant were of special interest to the lawmakers.
Lori Lusty shares info at the Simplot booth
Lusty pointed out, “The event provided a great opportunity to share information about Simplot’s environmentally responsible mining operation and the economic impact it has not only in Idaho, but how we contribute to our safe, abundant food supply nationally.”
Simplot’s AgriBusiness Mining and Manufacturing operations began in the mid-1940s, when wartime requirements boosted demand for Idaho potatoes and America’s phosphate fertilizer supplies were dwindling. Seeing great business opportunity in meeting those demands, J.R. Simplot was determined to explore untapped phosphate reserves and develop processing and production capabilities.
Today, Simplot is one of North America’s major suppliers of crop nutrition. The Company’s Mining and Manufacturing operations are key to this success, building a complementary distribution system to capitalize on its unique phosphate position.
Learn more about Simplot’s Mining and Manufacturing.
