Construction of BHP’s Jansen potash mine in Saskatchewan is ahead of the original schedule with first production now just over two years away. That’s for Stage 1 of the project, according to a report from international mining giant, BHP.

Jansen 1 is 52 per cent complete and first production is expected in late 2026, with a two year ramp up period. Because of a longer than usual summer, the mill’s foundation has been completed. Jansen 2 is two per cent complete with first production expected in 2029, followed by a three year ramp up period.

The report states that the potash market seems to be headed towards balance with improvements in both demand and supply. Longer term, BHP feels potash is a good investment, which will benefit from the need for the “sustainable intensification of agriculture” as the population rises. The Jansen mine is about 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon.