K+S Potash planning to double production at Bethune mine

K+S Potash is looking to double the output from its mine in Bethune.

The company announced its long-term growth plan Wednesday, and that included increasing production at the Bethune facility to 4 million tonnes per year over the next few decades.

“Today’s announcement represents another vote of confidence in Saskatchewan as a global leader in sustainable, responsible potash production,” Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said in a media release. “We look forward to continuing to work with K+S as we grow our potash sector and our economy.”

The company said it was doing feasibility studies to set out a timeline for its growth plan. It will work with the provincial and federal governments during that process.

“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,” Holger Riemensperger, the chief operating officer of K+S Aktiengesellschaft, said in the release.

“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.”

The company is planning new hires in engineering, IT, operations, trade and supporting roles. The end goal is to add more than 100 employees, primarily in operations.