BHP'S Jansen mine a multigenerational investment

BHP'S Jansen project east of Saskatoon may not be a literal gold mine. Yet the multi-billion-dollar potash mine represents new opportunity for generations of skilled workers.

“This is a multi-generational investment,” says Simon Thomas, vice-president of projects for potash at BHP, about the project which involves nearly $14 billion of investment in the province.

“Once both stages of the Jansen mine are operational, it will likely produce well into the next century.”

Both stages 1 and 2 are under development with the first phase well on its way to completion, expected to be operational by late 2026.

Today, most of the roughly 2,500 skilled workers are employed at the site near the town of Jansen, which is about 170 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

A smaller portion is working at BHP'S office in Saskatoon, including Thomas who moved with his family from Perth, Australia for the project.

The construction effort will peak in 2025 at a workforce of about 3,500 people before falling to about 2,000 workers to finish stage 2, which is expected to be operational in 2029, Thomas explains.

BHP has already drawn on the province's considerable skilled workforce, while partnering with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the University of Saskatchewan and other post-secondary institutions to train workers for jobs for the Jansen mine's continuing construction and eventual operation.

Job demand includes an array of trade and technical workers, and engineers. Among the workforce needs are boilermakers, fabricators, steel workers, managers, onsite supervisors, construction workers, camp operators and maintenance workers, says Thomas.

“We are relying on and will rely on a lot of local contractors, and Saskatchewan post-secondary trades and technical schools to fill those roles.”

Key to BHP'S employment strategy is building a diverse workforce.

To that end, the company aims to have 20 per cent of its workforce represented by Indigenous employees.

Already, BHP has entered into agreements with six First Nations near the Jansen project for economic development with more than $470 million in contracts awarded thus far to Indigenous businesses since 2021.

As well, the multinational based in Australia aims to have equal gender representation among its workers in Saskatchewan.

Once operational the Jansen mine will employ 900 people full-time with the majority working onsite and living in surrounding communities. A smaller portion will work in Saskatoon, Thomas adds.

“In all it's a sizable long-term workforce that will result in many indirect jobs too,” says Thomas.

“We see the Jansen mine as a benefit for the region for not just workers of today but generations to come.”