Turner Mining Group begins long term phosphate mine services and ore haul contract with Bayer
Turner Mining Group has successfully mobilised and managed a smooth transition as the sole mining contractor at Bayer’s P4 Production LLC phosphate operations in Soda Springs, Idaho. Since the commencement date of January 5, 2026, Turner says its crews “have delivered on plan under a long-term contract focused on delivering reliable, safe, and efficient production with a focus on building a strong community relationship and a growing presence in the region.”
To meet Bayer’s production targets, Turner deployed a new purpose-built fleet supplied by Caterpillar dealer Western States Equipment in Pocatello: two Cat 6020 machines – including the industry’s first 6020 configured as a front shovel – alongside a 6020 in backhoe configuration, eight Cat 777 haul trucks, several Cat drills, and a combined fleet of Cat D9 and D10 dozers modified for the unique ore extraction requirements. During summer months, three custom-built Kenworth C500 trucks paired with custom-designed SmithCo 100-ton tandem trailers haul ore over the road to Bayer’s processing plant as feedstock for the production of elemental phosphorus.
“We came to Soda Springs because this region has a strong mining heritage and a workforce with the skills and work ethic we value,” said Mark Chapman, company executive and a recognized face in the local community. “The opportunity to support these phosphate operations aligned perfectly with our commitment to operational excellence and long-term partnerships. We are honoured to be part of this community’s mining tradition and local economy.”
Turner Mining Group’s Chief Executive, Keaton Turner highlights that the Bayer partnership represents exactly the kind of operation the company was built to handle. “Larger, complex mine operations require a specialised contractor; they need a team that understands the geology, is in-tune with metrics that drive efficiency, and shows up every single day with the same focus as the client which is to drive down the cost per ton,” said Turner. “That is what a true operating partnership looks like. We operate as Bayer’s mining operations arm, a true extension of their team with aligned incentives. When they succeed, we succeed – which is so counterintuitive in most contractor models. That alignment is what makes this relationship work so well and why I believe this partnership model is the future for service providers in our industry.”
Turner Mining Group’s arrival has already made an impact on the local economy. Turner directly provides approximately 145 local jobs and sources parts and services from 77 vendors, with the majority being local to Soda Springs. From safety glasses to welding rods, and plumbers to recyclers, Turner is investing in the local community where possible.
“Building strong community relationships starts with being present, accessible, and genuinely invested in the wellbeing of Soda Springs and southeastern Idaho,” Chapman continued. “We want to be known as a company that invests in the people and places where we work.”
Environmental responsibility is paramount to maintaining the pristine and spectacular landscapes of the area, and this commitment is built into how Turner Mining Group operates. The company invested in a modern, first-life equipment fleet with low-emissions specifications and provides advanced dust suppression systems designed to minimise impact on the surrounding landscape. Regular maintenance, rigorous safety inspections, and proactive environmental practices are standard from day one.
The operation centres on mining apatite, the source of elemental phosphorus used in Bayer’s chemical production, across several mining areas in a vast region spanning approximately 120 square miles near Soda Springs. These phosphate deposits formed from a Permian-era seabed ~250 million years ago, and the subsequent thrust faulting and folding have created moderate to steep dips that require high selectivity in every blast and load cycle. Managing ore quality through a rigid ore control program is a critical activity to this style of mining.
Looking ahead, Turner views the Soda Springs operation as the foundation of a lasting partnership and a growing presence in the region. The company is actively working to become a visible, positive force in the community, participating in local events, sponsoring youth programs, and supporting the schools and organisations that define Soda Springs and the surrounding communities.
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