IMC Potash approached the new century with requirements to optimize the reserve base, increase productivity, and reduce cost per ton of ore. This was successfully achieved by utilizing continuous miners and adapting mine layouts and support equipment to match the complexity of the ore body. Maintenance and production schedules were organized around production windows using 10-hour shifts. The management organization was flattened and direct supervision reduced by placing more responsibility in the hands of the crew leaders. The behavior based safety program-combined with in-depth, root-cause investigations of all incidents-and supervisor safety tours has improved safety and successfully fostered other employee-driven programs.