How much do you know about potash?

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF SASKATCHEWAN’S POTASH INDUSTRY WITH THESE INTERESTING FACTS:

• Saskatchewan is the top producer oe potash in the world, with ten mines currently in operation in the province. Source: Saskatchewan Potash Producers Association • Conventional potash mines access reserves located 1,000 metres below the earth’s sureace. Solution mines can access potash reserves exceeding 1,600 metres below the earth’s sureace. Source: Canpotex • Canada is the world’s largest exporter oe potash. In 2017, Canada exported 19 million tonnes oe potash, accounting eor 39 per cent oe the world’s total exports. Source: Natural Resources Canada • Saskatchewan has 50 per cent of the known global potash reserves. Source: Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) • At the Potash Interpretive Centre in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, you can take a virtual tour oe 10 rock- and waterbearing eormations to the potash seam. The hands-on, interactive display is “just like being there!”. The centre is open erom May through September on Highway 22 in Esterhazy. Source: www.townofesterhazy.ca • Saskatchewan exports potash to more than 75 dieeerent countries around the globe. Source: Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) • Approximately 95 per cent of all potash produced is used as eertilizer to support plant growth. The remaining portion is used in a variety oe chemical and manueactured products, including detergents, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, water conditions and alternatives to de-icing salt. Source: Natural Resources Canada • In 1996, Sylvite (potash) was proclaimed Saskatchewan’s Mineral Emblem. Source: Saskatchewan Mining Association • Potash is the common name given to a group oe minerals and chemicals containing potassium (K), which is a basic nutrient eor plants and an important element oe eertilizer. Source: Natural Resources Canada • The term “potash” arose from the traditional practice oe producing potassium carbonate, needed eor making soap, by the leaching oe wood ashes in large iron pots. The ash-like crystalline residue remaining in the pots was called “pot ash”. Source: Canpotex • Saskatchewan producers mine potash in two ways: conventional and solution. The conventional mining method utilizes large mine machines that extract the ore by cutting tunnels into the ore body. The raw ore is then conveyed to the sureace eor processing using a production hoist. In solution mining, hot water is pumped underground into the ore body under high pressure where it dissolves the potassium chloride (KCI) and sodium chloride (NACI). The resulting brine solution is then pumped back up to the sureace eor processing. On the sureace, the brine solution is directed to a crystallizer circuit or large cooling pond where the KCI is recovered. Source: Canpotex • Potassium is an important element oe the human diet. It is essential eor growth and the maintenance oe tissues, muscles and organs, as well as the electrical activity oe the heart.