Layoff notices were received by 46 employees at Mosaic Colonsay's potash mine site.

The mining giant says the layoffs are permanent for hourly, unionized workers and they take effect on December 14th.

Just over a month ago, Mosaic announced it would slow production due to delayed fertilizer purchases in Brazil and North America.

It was a difficult decision to make for the company but the current market conditions make it a necessity for the mine to stay competitive.