The potential for potash development in the Yorkton area is being noticed by more companies. BHP Billiton is beginning the first phase of potash exploration efforts.
According to Dara Chubb of BHP Billiton, the project is in the first stage, 2D seismic exploration. This phase, which will take place over the summer and fall of this year, is the very beginning
"It will help provide information for the potential for potash resources in the area, and depending on the results it will help define more detailed seismic work," Chubb says.
The 2D seismic exploration is intended to see where the potash is and help plan for more intensive exploration such as 3D seismic, which is much more detailed. It works by sending vibrations into the ground and measuring the reflections as they come back, to see where potash is in the ground. The exploration crews, numbering at about 60 people, will be based in Yorkton and the exploration will take place south of the city. If all goes well, and the amount of potash found warrants it, more in depth exploration will begin soon after the first phase is complete.
Given that this is very early exploration work, Chubb emphasizes that, even if all goes well, it will be a long time before any development will take place. Chubb uses the example of a project in Jansen to show how long a potential development could take.
"(The Jansen) project was our first foray into potash in the province. 2006 was when we were on the ground here, and if everything goes according to plan on that project it will be 2015 before we possibly see first saleable ore from that mine," Chubb says.
While there is a lot of uncertainty at this point, especially as the project is still at the first phase, the exploration is vital for seeing what else can be developed in the area for potash. BHP Billiton is planning for the long term, Chubb notes, and they intend on building a large potash operation in the province, starting with the Jansen project and, if all goes well, one in the Yorkton area.
"We're here because on a world scale Saskatchewan has lots of existing potash and lots of potential for potash," Chubb emphasizes.
