Vancouver-based Western Resources Corp. said on May 17 that the processing plant of the Milestone Potash Phase 1 Project in Saskatchewan is transitioning from the construction phase to the commissioning phase. It said the operations team has officially begun preparation for start-up and operations. The project, which is owned by Western subsidiary Western Potash Corp., has an anticipated annual capacity of 146,000 mt/y.
In related news, Western also announced that it has further enhanced its operation and technical team by appointing Jamie Janotta as Operations Director. The company said he brings over 40 years of potash processing and operational experience, with a 30-year stint at The Mosaic Co.’s Belle Plaine Potash Mine, the world’s largest solution potash mine. Over the past decade he has consulted for many other potash projects.
Western reported in March that it expected to complete construction in May and move on to commissioning thereafter (GM March 24, p. 1). First production is expected by the end of the year. In addition, the company received approval from the Ministry of Environment to extend the mine life of the project from 12 years to 40 years.
Milestone is designed as a selective solution mine, which, in contrast with traditional potash mining and solution mining, is expected not to produce salt tailings on surface, thereby substantially reducing the environmental impact.
Western has a binding offtake agreement with Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) for 100% of the potash production from Milestone Phase I (GM Sept. 27, 2019). ADM will take the product FOB mine site and transport by truck to the nearby Port Lajord Terminal in Saskatchewan, only 13 kilometers from the project site.
Retired ADM grain and fertilizer executive Scott Nagel joined the Western Board of Directors in March 2023.