By Kevin Gilby
CRAIK —Saskatchewan’s next potash mine may be headed near Craik as Saskatoon-based Gensource Potash Corporation narrows its search for a suitable location.
Gensource CEO Mike Ferguson, having led Potash One’s development of what is now the K+S Legacy Site near Bethune, is hoping to return to a familiar area to build a ‘selective solution mine,’ the first of its kind in the province.
“The initial area that we are looking at will probably be in the eight to 10 section range. As we look at the geology, there are several different areas of that size [in the Craik region].” Ferguson said. The company’s next step involves drilling test wells to confirm their forecasts, followed by seismic measurements.
Several potential sites have been identified by Gensource, mostly in a region southwest of Craik. While the company already possesses mineral rights for some locations, work continues to secure additional locations before ultimately deciding on a site. Discussion with the associated RM will follow as they narrow down the possible locations.
The future of the project is divided into two phases, Ferguson said.
‘The first phase is the development. All the work up to the construction decisions.” This phase, expected to last about a year, includes the geological and environmental studies as well as feasibility and financial assessments necessary before the construction phase can begin.
When completed, Ferguson is confident that the “mine will look like no other mine you’ve ever seen. You’ll see two very large Quonsets, and that’s about it.” Of the ten sections mined, less than one-quarter section will be required for refinement leaving the remainder available for farming, grazing, or other applications.
Market factors aside, Ferguson believes the mine could be operational in as little as two-and-a-half years, employing between 60 to 80 people.
To read more, please see the Jan. 12, 2015 edition of The Davidson Leader. To subscribe call 306-567-2047.