US Magnesium LLC, whose parent company is the Renco Group, is shutting down operations at its Tooele County plant. How convenient for them! They have been one of the most prolific polluters, not only in Utah, but probably in all the Western states.
This company produced up to 25% of the smog on the Wasatch Front — releasing, among other pollutants, hydrochloric acid, and chlorine particles in our air. One study, done in 2023 by the NOAA, found that they violated environmental regulations, including exceeding emissions limits for over a decade between 2013 and 2023. For that they were fined a whopping $430,900. I’m sure that giving $50,000 to Gov. Cox for reelection didn’t hurt them in reducing the fine, since he appoints the director of the department which issues the fines.
This company is North America’s largest producer of magnesium, a metal used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Very essential for phones, computers, cameras and electric vehicles. But, at this moment, they are not meeting the high profit margins for the Renco Group. So, they let go 85% of the company’s existing workforce — just before Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
But, when you go to their home page, the Renco Group brags about “providing a permanent home for our family of companies; building value over time by retaining earnings and reinvesting in each business.” Too bad they don’t feel the same enthusiasm about the “families” that work for them!
Robert Hoff, Taylorsville
