Western Potash Corp., Kronau, Sask., said on June 17 that it has completed a Collaborative Project Planning Session with its key contractors and staff to officially kick off the restart of the Milestone Potash Project in order to complete the process facilities and solution mining development.
Key project representatives participated in a workshop-style planning session in Regina, Sask., to review and gain alignment on key aspects of the project timeline and readiness for start-up, leading into the full ramp-up of operations, which is expected to happen in mid-2023.
Milestone Phase 1 would produce 146,000 mt/y. Its purpose is to test and optimize the horizontal solution mining method in Saskatchewan, and to investigate how the method can be applied to full-scale potash production.
The kickoff planning session was attended by Western executives and staff and more than 30 people from several different key organizations, each with an instrumental role in the project, including Bird Construction (GM May 20, p. 28) and March Consulting. Also participating were representatives of Vantage Chance Ltd. and Appian Capital Advisory LLP (GM April 29, p. 29), each of which recently closed a financing deal with Western.
Areas of key focus included cavern development, execution of the construction program, and operational readiness, including commissioning, start up and permit readiness.
“I am pleased to see the project construction restarted after being suspended for two years,” said Bill Xue, Chairman and CEO. “I am very happy that all key project participants attended and actively interacted during the kickoff discussion. This session has helped all relevant parties together reach a better and clearer understanding of project goals and priorities.
“It also allowed the internal team and key contractors to identify gaps, resulting in the development of an integrated action plan that will significantly mitigate any potential risks potentially affecting project schedules and cost. I am confident that our team and contractors are capable of making this project a success,” Xue added.