BHP Group Ltd., Melbourne, is eyeing the quick doubling of potash capacity at its Jansen project in Saskatchewan, according to a report by the Australian Financial Review, citing a recent speech by BHP CEO Mike Henry on Sept. 1 to a group of shareholders.
“The original intent was that we would develop Jansen Stage 1, leave that for a period of time after it was producing, and then look at potentially developing Jansen Stage 2,” Henry was quoted as saying. “We want to have the option to be able to pull the trigger more quickly on Jansen Stage 2 if market circumstances warrant – and right now, we have seen disruption in potash markets as a result of the tragic events that have unfolded in the Ukraine.” He added that there is some potential to move Jansen Stage 2 a lot further forward than previously expected.
BHP earlier this summer moved first production for Jansen Stage 1 to 2016 from 2017 (GM July 22, p. 30). It reported that the Jansen shaft project was completed in the June 2022 quarter and the US$5.7 billion Jansen Stage 1 is tracking to plan, with activities progressing at the port and at the Jansen site. As of July, Stage 1 was 8% complete. On completion, it will have capacity to produce 4.35 million mt/y.