Jansen Potash Project Hits 50% Completion of Stage 1

BHP’s Jansen potash project has achieved a significant milestone, with construction now exceeding 50% completion for Stage 1, while Stage 2 is also in progress. The project remains on schedule to commence first production in 2026, with plans to become a major global potash producer by the end of the decade. This advancement underscores the project's robust development and its anticipated impact on the global potash market.

As the JS1 phase surpasses the halfway point, the project's attention now turns to completing crucial elements, including the mill building, processing plant, and port infrastructure. Significant efforts are directed towards finalizing these components to ensure a smooth transition to operational status. Concurrently, there is a strong focus on preparing the workforce to be operations-ready, aligning training and development initiatives with the upcoming demands of first ore production. This strategic shift is essential for ensuring that all facets of the project are fully operational and prepared for successful commissioning and long-term efficiency as the project progresses toward its first ore milestone.

Karina Gistelinck, Asset President Potash, expressed her enthusiasm about achieving the halfway milestone for the Jansen Project (JS1), highlighting it as a significant achievement that reflects the hard work and commitment of Team Jansen, contractors, procurement partners, and local and Indigenous communities. She noted that constructing one of the world’s largest potash mines demands a collaborative effort, emphasizing the collective support from the province in making such a major project feasible. Gistelinck affirmed that ensuring the safe delivery of the Jansen Project remains the top priority as preparations continue for its anticipated operational start in 2026.

Christoff Kühn, Program Director for the Jansen Program, expressed pride in reaching the project’s milestone and confidence in adhering to the projected timelines. He highlighted that since the sanctioning of JS1 in August 2021, the project has amassed over 9.7 million exposure hours without any fatalities or critical incidents, underscoring the team’s commitment to safety. Kühn emphasized the team's determination to uphold and enhance safety standards throughout the project’s completion, aiming to finish with an exemplary safety record.

BHP's commitment to the Jansen potash project began with the approval of a CAD$7.5 billion investment for Jansen Stage 1 (JS1) in August 2021. Building on this significant initial investment, BHP announced in October 2023 its decision to inject an additional CAD$6.4 billion (US$4.9 billion) into Stage 2 of the Jansen project. This expansion elevates BHP’s total investment in Jansen to approximately CAD$14 billion, marking it as both the largest investment ever made by BHP and the most substantial private investment in Saskatchewan's history. This milestone underscores BHP's commitment to advancing one of the most ambitious projects in its portfolio and contributing to regional economic growth.