K+S Potash Canada (KSPC), Bethune, Sask., on May 25 announced a long-term plan to boost potash production at its Bethune facility in Saskatchewan to 4 million mt/y, effectively doubling current output. K+S recently said it is increasing capex in order to ramp up 50,000-150,000 mt/y of additional capacity at Bethune in the near term (GM May 13, p. 1).
KSPC said the final production capacity is intended to grow continuously over the next couple of decades, and is currently targeted toward 4 million mt/y.
KSPC is currently undertaking a feasibility stage, mapping out the future milestones of growth and timelines for supporting projects. The company said it will work closely with provincial and federal governments during this phase to ensure it remains in a successful position to sustain future growth.
“Optimizing 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, Chief Operating Officer, K+S Aktiengesellschaft. “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.”
To support these plans, KSPC 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 – primarily in operations – as new systems are established.
“The main focus right now is to establish the team that will drive the growth plan and associated projects,” said Sam Farris, President, KSPC. “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 realize these opportunities.”
KSPC currently employs over 400 people at the Bethune mine and Saskatoon and Port Moody offices.