Here’s why the planned Jansen potash mine could be the greenest one built in 50 years
A BHP executive says the potash produced by the nascent Jansen mine will help the company’s decarbonization efforts.
“BHP is quite old and has a heritage going back, possibly more than 140 years and I think, in a general sense we see this opportunity with potash to change the makeup of the way the company looks and feels,” Giles Hellyer, vice president of potash operations, said in an interview.
“This is the opportunity to explore a new commodity, a brand new commodity, which we don't do very often, that is more aligned with global megatrends around rising populations and food security.
“So, for decarbonization of course, this is also a product which is quite different to other commodities. It's aligned to a decarbonizing world so it offers great exposure to what we term as a future-facing commodity.”
The company announced on Tuesday it will spend $7.5 billion to build the mine. It’s expected to produce 4.35 million tonnes of potash per year with ore extraction starting in 2027 with a two-year ramp-up period. It is BHP’s first foray into the potash industry.
BHP aims to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s one we’re up for. But you don’t get that chance every day that there’s something like this with Jansen from day one and that’s why we’re just so excited,” Hellyer said.
Potash, a form of potassium, is fundamental to crop production and enables sustained growth - and crops in turn absorb carbon from the atmosphere, he said.
“It’s just unfortunate, of course, that probably you can’t grow enough and other forms of agriculture to take in the growing carbon … It's the production of that which is important to us.”
Hellyer said Jansen is one of the most significant and largest conventional underground mines that has been built in 50 years, which is an opportunity to use modern technology to decarbonize the mine.
For example, most underground equipment will be electrified from day one - and BHP plans to get there completely by the early 2030s. In addition, modern processing technology requires less energy, he said.
The company is contemplating the possibilities of capturing energy to reduce the energy consumption required and carbon capture and storage.
“There's just so many amazing things going on. I mean we've got a really talented workforce here in Saskatchewan, that have been helping us to design Jansen in a way that's really tremendously exciting.
“There's so much new technology we're introducing that increases the efficiency of the operation, and that in itself allows less equipment to be used.”
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.