K+S begins construction on $4B potash mine expansion near Bethune

The $3 billion K + S Potash expansion near Bethune is on track with the completion date set for 2040. Wayne Mantyka has the latest.

Construction is now underway on a major expansion of the K+S potash mine near Bethune, Sask. following engineering work completed over the winter.

The first phase of the project includes construction of a compaction unit that will transform raw, fine-grained potash into uniform granules used by the fertilizer industry.

“Pilings starts on our compaction project and it’s rolled into a couple of the other aspects of our project over the last few weeks,” said Angie Symes, senior manager of mining with K+S Potash.

The company says the compaction facility is a key part of its long-term plans to increase production at the mine.

“Every potash mine in the province, we make a compacted product so as we ramp up our production, we’re wanting to ramp up the production of this specific product,” Symes said.

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The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2030. Additional work will follow as part of a broader expansion plan aimed at doubling production to four million tonnes annually by 2040.

An update on the $4-billion project was provided during an event in Regina marking Saskatchewan Mining Week.

The Saskatchewan Mining Association used the week to highlight the industry’s economic contributions across the province.

“We’ve got potash, uranium, coal, gold and upcoming critical minerals such as copper and zinc,” said Tracey Irwin, director of public relations for the Saskatchewan Mining Association.

According to the association, Saskatchewan’s mining sector supports approximately 12,000 jobs and contributes $2.6 billion annually in taxes and royalties to municipal, provincial and federal governments. The association says that total exceeds the amount paid by the mining sector in all other Canadian provinces combined.