K+S Potash Canada unveils long term growth plan for Bethune mine

HOUSTON (ICIS)–K+S Potash Canada (KSPC) has announced a long-term growth plan which includes a focus on planning for a sustained increase of potash production at its Bethune mine.

The company said production capacity is intended to grow continuously over the next couple of decades, and is currently targeted toward 4m tonnes/year, which effectively doubles the current production output of the operation.

KSPC said it is currently undertaking a feasibility stage, mapping out the future milestones of growth and timelines for supporting projects. The company will work closely with provincial and federal governments during this phase to ensure it can sustain future growth.

“Optimising our business at Bethune mine enhances the strong position of K+S as an internationally-oriented producer of minerals critical to agriculture and other industries,” said Holger Riemensperger, K+S chief operating officer.

“Bethune mine is looking at safely and sustainably growing profitability while simultaneously reducing environmental impact, and building a more diverse and inclusive workforce while continuing to engage with local and Indigenous communities throughout all stages of the plan.”

KSPC currently employs over 400 people at the Bethune mine and Saskatoon and Port Moody offices but it is currently seeking employees in various engineering, IT, operations, trade, and supporting roles, with a longer-term outlook to hire more than a hundred additional employees.

“The main focus right now is to establish the team that will drive the growth plan and associated projects,” said Sam Farris, KSPC president.

“Planning for growth is an opportunity to develop infrastructure and programs that will continue our progress toward becoming world-class, and I’m confident we’ll continue to attract the talent we need across the business to realise these opportunities.”