Saskatchewan potash sector performs strongly in ’96

Sales of potash from Saskatchewan in 1996 broke the 7-million-tonne mark for the third straight year, according to that province’s Department of Energy and Mines.

Last year, potash sales reached 7.04 million tonnes — down from record sales achieved in 1995. Exports to the U.S., Brazil, Western Europe and Indonesia are credited with the industry’s strong performance. Those sales, together with a strong potash price, generated the second-highest gross revenue level recorded by the industry in Saskatchewan. The high-level of sales also spurred increased activity in related industries, such as railroads and trucking.

Saskatchewan is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, with reserves projected to last hundreds of years at current production rates.

A total of 3,000 workers are employed at the province’s

10 mines.