South Harz Potash has encouraging results on samples from German project

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Fertilizer developer South Harz Potash (SHP) has received encouraging results from metallurgical test work completed by K-UTEC AG Salt Technologies on the drilling core samples completed during 2022 at its flagship Ohmgebirge (OHM) potash project in Germany.

Results of the metallurgical test work confirm the process route selected for the Ohmgebirge scoping study is suitable for processing the ore type expected to be delivered to the mill. It also confirmed the preliminary crushing size will enable extraction from the cold leach stage of the process flow design.

SHP added that the route is expected to achieve production of K60 agriculture sales grade muriate of potash (MOP) which is standard within the global potash industry.

Test work conducted by K-UTEC considered the quantity and quality of NaCl (salt) byproduct expected to be produced and it verified the process route can produce chemical grade vacuum salt with a purity exceeding 99%.

It further reported that magnesium hydroxide (MgOH2) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) by-products can be extracted with SHP saying a well-established market exists in northwest Europe for chemical grade levels of those three by-products.

K-UTEC identified the resultant waste products and confirmed that process waste is suitable for use as mine backfill material. Further metallurgical and backfill testing is planned in 2023.

“Importantly, results confirm that salable MOP product should be easily achievable from the samples provided. Metallurgical testing also indicate that high-grade by-products, including NaCl, are achievable, providing a significant benefit given South Harz’ proximity to well established European markets,” said Luis da Silva, South Harz managing director.

“We are looking forward to beginning the next phase of work in the new year and remain on track with feasibility study workstreams as we continue to advance the Ohmgebirge development project toward production.”

A pre-feasibility study (PFS) is scheduled for completion in Q4 2023 with the project set to eventually produce 1m tonnes/year of MOP for sale predominantly into European markets.