Wyoming Soda Ash: 350 Jobs Cut as WE Soda Shifts Mining Method

WE Soda will eliminate 350 positions in Wyoming as it shifts its Westvaco operation from traditional underground mining to in-situ solution recovery. The company announced the move on Wednesday, stating that the change is necessary to maintain competitiveness against low-cost Chinese exports. Layoffs are scheduled to begin in January 2027.

The operational shift will reduce annual soda ash production by more than 1.5 million metric tons. WE Soda stated that this decrease aligns with a corresponding drop in export sales that are no longer commercially viable. The workforce will shrink from approximately 850 employees to 500 over the next two years. The transition to the drill-and-pump method is less labor-intensive than the current underground extraction process.

CEO Alasdair Warren described the market conditions as a prolonged downturn. He noted that previous industry slumps typically resolved within 18 months as demand recovered. Warren said the current cycle has entered its fourth year and is expected to continue for at least another two years. He attributed the pressure to a flood of Chinese soda ash entering the market, which has forced producers in southwest Wyoming to seek new efficiencies.

A representative for United Steelworkers Local 13214 reacted to the announcement on social media. The representative said WE Soda workers in Wyoming were blindsided by the news. The union vowed to protect as many jobs as possible during the transition period.

Soda ash derived from trona is Wyoming's largest global export commodity. Industry officials report that it generates an annual $1.3 billion for the state. The material is a primary ingredient in glass production and is also used in household items like toothpaste and various industrial applications.

The company said the repositioning is a long-term strategy to strengthen its Wyoming operations. The progressive nature of the change means the full impact on staffing and output will be realized gradually. The transition will be completed within the two-year timeframe outlined in the initial announcement.