Can Trona Endure — or Is This the Start of Another Desert Ghost Town?


TRONA — For generations, the lights in Trona have burned because of one thing: minerals pulled from the ancient bed of Searles Lake. Families built their lives around the steady rhythm of Searles Valley Minerals — shifts changing, trains moving, and paychecks supporting everything from local shops to school programs.

I remember the days of rock shows and the big blowhole by the lake— and the times we went with our daughters to cheer on the football players on that infamous dirt field.

Now that rhythm has been disrupted.

The company’s recent decision to significantly reduce operations and lay off hundreds of workers has sent shockwaves through this tight-knit desert community. For many residents, the announcement was more than economic news. It was personal.

“This town was built on that plant,” one longtime resident said. “When it hurts, we all feel it.”

A Blow to the Local Economy

For decades, Searles Valley Minerals has served as the region’s primary employer. The company’s operations have supported not only workers but also local businesses, housing stability, and public services. With production scaled back and jobs lost, ripple effects are already being felt across the valley.

Local businesses face reduced foot traffic. Families are weighing difficult decisions about whether to stay. Schools and community services may see declining enrollment and funding if residents move away in search of work.

In small, remote towns like Trona, economic shocks travel fast — and recovery can take years.

Why the Change Happened

Industry pressures have been building for some time. Rising operational costs, global competition in mineral production, and ongoing regulatory challenges have made production increasingly difficult. While some operations remain active, the scale is no longer what it once was.

Company leaders have indicated they intend to continue limited production, but uncertainty remains about long-term stability.

For residents, that uncertainty is the hardest part.

A Community That Has Faced Hard Times Before

Trona is no stranger to adversity. The town has weathered market downturns, industry shifts, and natural disasters — including the powerful earthquakes that damaged homes and infrastructure in recent years.

Each time, residents rebuilt.

That history of resilience is now being tested

The Ghost Town Question

Across the American West, communities built around a single industry have faced the same crossroads. Some adapted and survived. Others slowly emptied, leaving behind quiet streets and fading storefronts.

Whether Trona follows one path or the other is still unwritten.

Several factors will shape the town’s future:

Whether remaining mining operations remain viable

Opportunities for new employment in the region

Support from county and state programs

The willingness — and ability — of residents to stay and rebuild

Holding On to Community

Despite uncertainty, many residents say they are not ready to give up on their town.

Whether the town is entering a new chapter of renewal or the beginning of a long decline remains to be seen. What is certain is that Trona’s future will not be decided by economics alone — but by the people who call this desert home.

For now, the lights are still on.

And the story isn’t finished yet.

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