Recent media reports have raised questions about the fate of BHP Billiton potash mine projects in Saskatchewan.
The report has Marius Kloppers, chief executive officer of BHP Billiton, recently telling Caixin Media Co. that the company would "wait and see" on new projects for 18 months to two years, and additionally there would be a six-month period when the company would make no major approvals for six months.
However BHP Billiton spokesperson Bronwyn Wilkinson told Yorkton This Week Monday work continues locally.
"At Melville we have a concept study underway running concurrently with our exploration programs," she said. "Our 2D and 3D programs over this area are completed and the results, together with the results of our drilling, should help us define the potential of this area and progress the study."
The company also continues work at other locations in the province, said Wilkinson.
"We have completed a concept study on Young, and the project is expected to move into pre-feasibility shortly," she said.
"At Boulder we have completed 3D seismic work and drilling. The project is not ready to move into selection yet and further work is underway on adjacent areas to understand the resource."
Wilkinson said the company has major land holdings in the province, and is assessing the potential of most of it.
"BHP Billiton holds a total of about 14,500 square kilometres and we are in the process of systematically exploring our entire land holding with 2D seismic. Any areas of interest are followed up with 3D seismic and drill testing, but evaluation of the broader basin remains a priority," she explained.
In terms of development a mine near Jansen, SK. is most advanced.
"Work is continuing at Jansen and we currently have about 400 people on site," said Wilkinson. "The two shafts (production and service shafts) have been excavated to 45-metres and are ready for further excavation to begin with specialized drilling machines that will excavate them to their full depth of about one-kilometre. The freeze program is progressing well and the site preparation work continues to complete the hoist houses needed to support the shaft sinking work.
"Preparation has also started on the Discovery Lodge work camp and we expect the first 500 beds to be filled later in 2012.
"Jansen is undergoing the advanced engineering needed to take it to the BHP Billiton Board for approval."
