Regina, Sask.-BHP Billiton said Feb. 2 that the Jansen Potash Project in Saskatchewan has progressed into the feasibility study phase, which it calls an advanced stage of the BHP project approvals process. BHP says the decision further highlights its ongoing commitment to the project, the Province of Saskatchewan, and Canada. In December 2010, BHP submitted the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed project to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (GM Jan. 3, 2011). In January 2010, BHP allotted pre-commitment funding of US$240 million to support the early development of Jansen. BHP has commenced drilling and site preparation for the ground freezing process that is required prior to the sinking of the production and service shafts. Based on the current schedule, BHP says Jansen is expected to start producing saleable potash from its 3,370 million mt in-situ mineral resource in calendar year 2015. The project is designed to produce approximately 8 million mt/y of agricultural grade potash over an estimated 70-year life. “We are very pleased to announce that Jansen has now moved into the next phase of its development,” said Graham Kerr, president of BHP Billiton Diamonds and Specialty Products. “The Jansen Project has the potential to become one of the world’s premier potash mines and the platform for a significant and scalable potash business for BHP Billiton.” BHP said it will also continue its community development program as Jansen progresses, ensuring that local communities, Métis, and First Nations benefit from their growth in Saskatchewan.
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