Kronau, Sask. — Vale Fertilizantes has announced that the detailed engineering survey for its Kronau potash project some 30 kilometers southeast of Regina, Sask., has now been concluded. According to Vale S.A.’s press office, the company currently is analysing the situation and assessing its next steps, which, it says, involve finding partners and raising funds for the project. Earlier this week, Canadian media reported Vale had suspended the project. According to The Canadian Press, quoting sources from the Brazilian group, Vale believes the recent feasibility study still shows "a compelling case" for a mine "someday," but market conditions make it difficult to finance the project "right now." The cost of the project, which ultimately would produce 3-4 million mt/y of potash for more than 40 years, has been put at $3.5 billion. Work on the project was last postponed in 2012 (GM Aug. 27, 2012).