An aerial photo of the BHP Jansen potash mine. (BHP/Submitted)

By Shane Clausing, CKOM News Staff

Jansen potash mine ahead of schedule, more growth planned

Sep 4, 2024 | 8:44 AM

Stage 1 of BHP’s multi-billion dollar Jansen potash mine project is halfway complete and ahead of schedule, the company announced last week.

The project is being built just outside of Humboldt, and will be part of a multi-stage effort to build the largest potash mine in the world.

The first stage is expected to be complete by 2026.

Karina Gistelinck is the asset president of potash for BHP and also in charge of overseeing the mega project.

She was nothing but smiles on Tuesday in Saskatoon speaking about how well construction had progressed on the project.

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“It’s a main source of pride for us that we’re ahead of schedule and on budget. Perhaps even more source of pride is we’re doing it safely and generating growth for the community,” Gistelinck said.

Gistelinck said the mine has already began the hiring process of workers for the facility.

“We’re starting to hire, and we plan to have that (process) ramped up over the year,” she said. “So, the first 550 permanent employees to work on the mine.”

There are expected to be around 900 full-time and permanent workers working on the mine by the time the project is complete in 2029.

Looking ahead, Gistelinck said there are a couple milestones the company is looking forward to.

“The first one and probably the biggest one is to connect the two shafts. We have two shafts and connecting these two so there is a constant flow of air is a big construction milestone. The other one is the changeover of the head frame. We will be substituting what was a temporary (structure) to a permanent (structure),” she said.

Regional development gets fund boost

The Government of Saskatchewan announced on Tuesday it will provide $250,000 to the Sylvite Four-Six Regional Development Incorporation (S4-6) this year, while BHP will donate $500,000 to the project.

S4-6 is comprised of members from the Indigenous community as well as Humboldt and the other municipalities. The goal of the project is to help position the region for future growth and support outcomes in areas like housing, child care, health care, education and other essential services.

Gistelinck thinks the S4-6 project will play a major role in shaping the area for years to come.

“We’re encouraged by what we’ve seen. We’ve seen a couple of private developments coming along in housing — we’ve seen a lot of progress made in terms of creating more child care spaces — but more is to be done,” she said.

“I really believe that Sylvite 4-6 is essential to enable that additional work that needs to be done so that the growth that Jansen brings isn’t just for BHP, but for all.”

Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Jeremy Harrison said he’s pleased to see how well all levels of government and partners have been able to work together as they continue moving on with the ambitious plan.

“Having the very close integration between the different levels of government really does make a difference. This work needs to be done and it’s being done very effectively,” Harrison said.

The connectivity has even impressed Gistelinck, who has also worked in other countries doing this type of project.

“I have worked in over more than five mining jurisdictions and I’ve never seen the type of symbiotic relationship that’s taking place here,” she said.