2022

BHP to speed up Jansen potash mine

May 18, 2022

BHP’s (ASX: BHP) chief executive Mike Henry wants to crunch the gears on the company’s US$5.7 billion Jansen potash project in Canada as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused major disruptions to global fertilizer supplies. The ongoing war in Ukraine has left the world not only short of important grains but also fertilizers since neighbours Russia and Belarus account for almost 40% of global production. Belarus state-owned potash miner Belaruskali set off alarm bells mid-February by declaring force majeure on its contracts. This shook up a market that was already contending with soaring prices. Sanctions on Russia after invading Ukraine have made the situation worse. (Source: Canadian Mining Journal)

Potash Sector Sets New Records in Production and Sales in Saskatchewan

March 22, 2022

The potash sector in Saskatchewan hit all-time record highs in 2021, with production reaching 14.2 million tonnes K2O and the value of sales hitting $7.6 billion. “Saskatchewan continues to lead the world in the production of potash, which emits 50 per cent fewer emissions and is more sustainably produced here than in any jurisdiction in the world,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “Over the past 15 years, the Saskatchewan potash sector has committed more than $30 billion of investment in mine expansions and new projects. It directly employs some 6,000 people and contributes to the livelihoods of thousands more.”(Source: Saskatchewan Government News)

Lithuanian railways halts transport of Belarus potash

Jan 31, 2022

The board of state-owned Lithuanian Railways on Monday voted to stop transporting potash produced by Belarus state-owned potash producer Belaruskali unless it gets government approval to resume, the rail company said in a statement. Belaruskali, the world’s second-largest producer of the crop fertiliser which is a big cash earner for Belarus, was sanctioned by the United States last August, a year after a crackdown following a disputed presidential election which President Alexander Lukashenko said he won. (Source: Reuters)

Kore Potash expects completed Optimisation Study Report for Kola potash project

January 20, 2022

Kore Potash has said that the process to potentially finance the construction of the Kola potash project in the Republic of Congo is progressing in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Summit Consortium in April 2021. The company has also said it expects to receive the Consortium’s financing proposal for the full construction cost of Kola 60 days after the successful completion of the Study. (Source: World Fertilizer)

2021

BHP greenlights Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan

August 17, 2021

BHP has approved $5.7 billion in capital expenditure for the Jansen Stage 1 potash project in Saskatchewan. Jansen S1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 Mt/y of potash, and with the potential for further expansions. BHP Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry, said: “This is an important milestone for BHP and an investment in a new commodity that we believe will create value for shareholders for generations.” (Source: International Mining)

BHP in talks with Nutrien on Jansen potash mine

May 26, 2021

BHP Group is in talks with Nutrien Ltd. about a potential partnership in Saskatchewan’s Jansen potash mine. The two companies are discussing multiple options, including Nutrien becoming the operator and selling the potash through its existing channels, or Nutrien taking a stake in the Jansen mine, according to people familiar with the matter. (Source: The Star Phoenix)

Emmerson receives mining licence for Morroco project

Feb 09, 2021

The Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines and Environment has granted potash developer Emmerson a mining licence for its wholly owned Khemisset potash project. The licence provides the company with the exclusive right to develop and mine the potash deposit, within the perimeter of the licence, in the Khemisset basin, ahead of the anticipated initiation of construction by the end of 2021. (Source: Mining Weekly)

ICL Completes Acquisition of Fertiláqua

Jan 07, 2021

ICL announced today it completed the acquisition of Fertiláqua, one of Brazil’s leading specialty plant nutrition companies, for $122 million, which includes the assumption of approximately $40 million of net debt. ICL expects to leverage Fertiláqua’s strong market presence and distribution capabilities to increase the sales of its organic fertilizers, controlled-released fertilizers and other specialty plant nutrition products to the Brazilian market. (Source: CISION PR Newswire)