BHP Billiton in Saskatchewan: Bringing Opportunity Home

Potash is a globally traded commodity primarily used as a fertilizer. Its consumption has grown over the past decade, driven by the growing economies of developing countries. In 2008, global demand for potash was 53 tonnes. The primary markets for potash are China, the United States, Brazil and India. These major consumers have little or no domestic production and Canada holds one of the world's largest geological potash reserves. Demand for potash is expected to increase significantly as the result of economic growth in the developing world.

BHP Billiton has exploration rights to a total of over 14,000km2 of highly prospective ground in the Saskatchewan potash basin. Jansen is the most advanced project of BHP Billiton's multiple development options in potash, nearing completion of its selection study. Jansen is anticipated to proceed to full definition in the later half of 2010 while the nearby Boulder and Young projects are in the more preliminary identification phase of study. The Burr project, acquired with Athabasca Potash in early 2010, is currently under review in the context of BHP Billiton's full potash development portfolio. Exploration on the Melville area, also acquired with Athabasca Potash, is due to begin in July 2010.

Although there are 10 potash mines currently in production in Saskatchewan, there have been no new potash mines in the Province in almost 40 years.

Canada is one of the great mining countries in the world – and BHP Billiton is not just hoping to open a mine, we want to build a sizable new business in Saskatchewan.

Key Activities

  • June, 2006: BHP Billiton forms joint venture with Anglo-Potash with a 75% interest in approximately 7,400 km2 of highly prospective exploration lands in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
  • July 2008: BHP Billiton acquires the remaining interest in Anglo-Potash
  • September 2008: BHP Billiton Potash Development Office opens at Innovation Place in Saskatoon
  • September/October 2008: Community meetings with stakeholders, including First Nations and Métis Groups
  • November 2008: Jansen Project Proposal submitted to Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
  • March/April 2009: Community information sessions are held in ten communities across Southern Saskatchewan
  • April 2009: Jansen exploration project is completed.
  • June 2009: Boulder Project Identification Study begins
  • October 2009: BHP Billiton starts the pilot hole drilling program for the Jansen project
  • October 2009: BHP Billiton receipted the Project Specific Guidelines from Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management for the submission of the Environmental Impact Statement.
  • November 2009: Boulder field exploration program begins
  • February 2010: Jansen project pilot hole drilling program is completed
  • March 2010: BHP Billiton acquires Athabasca Potash, increasing the exploration land position to approximately 14,000 km2.
  • March 2010: Boulder field exploration program concludes
  • April 2010: Open house meetings are held in six communities nearest to the Jansen Project
  • May 2010: Site preparation begins for the Jansen Ground Freezing Study. Ground freezing is necessary to safely and successfully sink the mining shafts because of the presence of local aquifers common to the region

Environment

BHP Billiton has an overriding commitment to Zero Harm: to our people, to our host communities, and to the environment. Our aim is to build a lasting, positive legacy built on our values and a commitment to sustainability. These principles will guide BHP Billiton throughout all stages of a project, from pre-feasibility to decommissioning.

See our Sustainable Development Policy for more information.

Community

At BHP Billiton, we believe in Saskatchewan.

The opportunities, the people, and the communities are what brought us here. And we are excited to give back.

After a decade of fostering business growth, community engagement and employment opportunities in the Northwest Territories, we want to do the same in Saskatchewan. At BHP Billiton our objective is to be the company of choice – creating sustainable value for our shareholders, employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, business partners and host communities. These efforts have earned our company the distinction of being recognised several times as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.