In a move that has sent shockwaves through the High Desert, Searles Valley Minerals (SVM) has officially announced a massive reduction in force, signaling the “idling” of its Trona and Argus operations. The decision, confirmed in early February 2026, will result in the permanent separation of more than 300 employees—roughly half of the company’s total workforce.
Searles Valley Minerals says that market, cost and regulatory pressures is forcing it to layoff about 55% of it’s employees.
The layoffs, scheduled to take effect on April 7, 2026, represent one of the most significant economic blows to the region since the 1982 Kerr-McGee downsizing. For the isolated community of Trona, where SVM is the primary employer and the provider of the town’s water utility, the news feels less like a corporate restructuring and more like an existential threat.
A “Perfect Storm” of Economic Pressures
In a letter to employees and local officials, SVM CEO Dennis Cruise cited a “perfect storm” of global and domestic factors that made the production of soda ash and boric acid at the Argus and Trona plants economically unviable.
Global Market Saturation: Cruise highlighted “aggressive dumping” of low-cost soda ash from overseas markets, particularly China. These international competitors operate with significantly lower overhead, making it impossible for California-based facilities to compete on price.
Energy Costs: In California’s rigorous regulatory environment, energy costs have ballooned. According to company statements, energy expenses alone now account for nearly 50% of production costs for soda ash and boric acid.
Regulatory Burdens: The company pointed to the “crushing” weight of state taxes, environmental compliance fees, and the ongoing complexities of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
While the Argus plant is slated to be “mothballed” and the Trona plant will see deep cuts, the Westend facility is expected to remain operational. SVM plans to pivot its focus toward Boron, which was recently added to the U.S. Geological Survey’s List of Critical Minerals, potentially securing the remaining jobs under a national security mandate.
Impact on the Trona Community
For the residents of Searles Valley, the timing could not be worse. The community is still in the middle of a slow recovery from the devastating 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, which left many homes in disrepair and shuttered local businesses.
“This isn’t just about a paycheck,” said one resident on a local community forum. “In Trona, the company is the town. They run the water; they support the schools. If half the jobs go, who stays to keep the lights on?”
The ripple effects are expected to hit nearby Ridgecrest as well, which serves as a bedroom community for much of the SVM workforce. Local economists estimate that the layoffs could lead to a population loss of nearly 1,000 residents as families relocate in search of new employment.
What’s Next for Workers?
Under the federal and California WARN Acts, SVM has provided a 60-day notice period. The company has stated it will offer severance packages and is working with workforce development boards in Kern and San Bernardino Counties to provide job placement and retraining services.
However, in a valley with few other major employers, “retraining” often means “moving.” As the April 7th deadline approaches, the people of Trona are once again forced to prove their “Trona Strong” motto in the face of an uncertain future.
