Toronto-SNC-Lavalin said March 24 that it has signed a multi-year Hub contract with BHP Billiton for the execution of potash projects to be developed and built mainly in Saskatchewan. The Hub involves the establishment of a project execution center where SNC-Lavalin, in partnership with BHP Billiton, will apply uniform standards and leverage efficiencies in the execution of projects in various stages of development. SNC-Lavalin’s mandate includes management of the Hub program and the execution of feasibility studies in the Hub office. It also includes the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) for the projects once they are approved by BHP Billiton following the study phases. The projects may include any project to be developed in BHP Billiton’s Diamonds and Specialty Products Customer Sector Group. Initially, SNC-Lavalin will complete the Definition Phase (typically known as a feasibility study) for Jansen Phase 1, located near Lanigan, Sask., for a production capacity of 2 million mt/y. EPCM execution is expected to follow in 2012, once BHP receives the necessary external permits and approves the implementation phase. The full Jansen project is being designed to produce approximately 8 million mt/y of potash; development is expected to occur in three phases. Other infrastructure and related projects include the development of port facilities on the U.S. West Coast.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain