Potash
WORKS
North America’s premier publication dedicated to the promotion, production and distribution of potash
2022
potashworks.com
COLLABORATION and TECHNOLOGY propelling NEXT GENERATION POTASH Mining ideas towards a net-zero Canada
CUSTOM MANUFACTURING SINCE 1975
LOOKING BACK AT 2021: A year in the potash industry
World-class services for every stage of your potash operation • Geoanalytical testing and mineralogical analysis; ISO/IEC 17025 accredited potash assays • Dedicated potash analytical facility • Development of analytical procedures • Baseline environmental monitoring
• Amenability of ore to sensor-based sorting technologies • Automated mineralogy, mineral deportment and beneficiation analysis • Minerals processing testwork and piloting with specialized potash expertise for all types of potash products • Slurry transport modelling, design and testing • Net-zero energy assessments, including renewables, biofuels, battery storage solutions and microgrids
• Closure plan evaluation and design • Remediation activities and risk management • Community engagement
• Plant performance diagnostics and optimization • Digital solutions for instrumentation and automation • Integrated Data Management Service • Tailings and clay management optimization and troubleshooting • Decarbonization solutions including renewables, biofuels and battery storage
Contact Us Bernard Gartner, Lucinda Wood Business Development, Mining and Minerals mining@src.sk.ca For more information, please visit www.src.sk.ca/mining
Specializing in Industrial Coatings and Linings We’re ready to meet any of your protective coating and lining needs. We can work on your site or in our facilities, with large shops (53,000 sq ft), 30 acres of yard space, and cranes and forklifts on site.
Serving Western Canada since 1968
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
306.931.2820 office@csbp.ca www.csbp.ca
• Protective Coatings • Plant Maintenance • Shop and Field Service • Tank Lining • Environmental Containment • Industrial Fiberglass • Concrete Protection • Structural Steel • Abrasion and Tile Lining Systems • Shotcrete
• Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation • Fire Proof Coatings • Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation • NACE Certified Inspectors on Staff • Industrial Standard Quality Program • IS Networld & COR
Key Benefits Rapid
Return on Investment
Low
Total Cost of Ownership
Up to 3X Increase in Capacity*
Maximizing Efficiency in the Potash Industry High Capacity, High Efficiency Fine Wet Sizing • Maximize Product Value and Recovery • Cost Effective Sizing Down to 53 μm • Consistent Product Quality
Increase Grinding Classification Efficiency • Increase Recovery with 80% Reduction of -10 μm Losses • Up to 50% Lower Specific Energy Consumption (kW·h/ton) • Reduced Grinding Media and Liner Consumption per Ton
Desliming Application • >95% Efficiency (Removal of Impurities) at 4 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.30 mm etc. • Reduce Maintenance and Wear
Increase in Product Recovery*
*Compared to Derrick’s 5-Deck Stack Sizer®
8-Deck SuperStack®
Discover more visit: www.Derrick.com/Products/SuperStack
hardto find a better materials lab
field measurements // materials lab // mine modeling
RESPEC.com
®
® ® ®
Reliable – Sustainable – Growing together Nouryon is a global specialty chemicals leader and essential solutions provider. Our commitment to sustainability and sustainable products and processes has earned us a 2021 EcoVadis Gold rating. We have been serving the Canadian market for more than half a century, and provide the following mining solutions for the potash industry: • Flotation collectors • Anticaking agents • Depressants We work closely with our customers and stakeholders to reliably support the world´s growing demand for essential solutions. To learn more about us, contact mining@nouryon.com or visit us at nouryon.com/markets/mining
Your partner in essential solutions for a sustainable future
Potash processing Armac® Armeen® Armoflo® Armoflote® Berol® Celect® Ethomeen® Finnfix® Lilaflot® Phospholan®
TABLE OF contents Message from the editor, Shayna Wiwierski – 10
Growing with the needs of the potash industry – 50
CT-aided laboratory evaluation of potash solution mining – 86
Message from the Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe – 12
Evolving abrasion lining systems in the potash industry – 52
Optimizing compensation beyond “show me the money” – 88
Message from the Minister of Trade and Export Development, Jeremy Harrison – 14
We need mining. Mining needs you. – 56
Providing best-in-class service to the industry: Park Derochie – 90
Looking back at 2021: A year in the potash industry – 18
The powerful partnership that won’t let you down – 60 Indemnities: Every word matters – 62
Collaboration and technology propelling Next Generation Potash – 22
A pathway to creating community-informed decisions – 64
Digging the future with BHP’s unique mining system – 26
Correct testing results in more opportunities for your operation – 66
Products today for the future of potash – 30 A shared responsibility: Mining ideas towards a net-zero Canada – 34
Driving home change: How NRT’s training school serves the changing transportation industry – 70
IMII, Mitacs and Saskatchewan’s potash industry – Collaborating to build innovation capacity – 38
Leading at the forefront: An improved reality through modeling and simulation – 72
SIMSA continues its rapid growth through increased member services – 40
Nouryon, a provider of diverse solutions for potash mining – 74
How to customize your air compressor for a potash site – 42
Derrick celebrates 60 years in potash/phosphate industry with new installation in Africa – 78
Potash operations can count on A&B Rail Services Ltd. – 44 Your next generation construction partner – 46
Mine Supply Company gets mobile underground with Miller Technology – 80
Production underway at Esterhazy K3’s South Shaft Headframe – 48
Gauging the health of the potash industry supply chain – 84
PotashWORKS is published by DEL Communications Inc. www.delcommunications.com
President & CEO DAVID LANGSTAFF Managing Editor SHAYNA WIWIERSKI shayna@delcommunications.com Advertising Sales Manager DAYNA OULION dayna@delcommunications.com
8 PotashWorks 2022
Supervisor – Sales & Marketing MIC PATERSON mic@delcommunications.com Production services provided by S.G. Bennett Marketing Services Creative Director / Layout & Design KATHLEEN CABLE Contributing Writers KEVIN GODDARD, STEVE HALABURA, ANDREA HANSEN, BRUCE HARRISON, SARAH JENSEN, PENG LUO, IGOR MAKARENKO, JOHN MULDER, PETRO NAKUTNYY, ALEX PARSONS, KATIE SUEK
Combatting corrosion during potash cooling – 92 Excellence in customer service – 96 Eclipse E-Line Services – 98 Geosynthetics – An emerging market – 100 A relationship in the potash industry built on trust: JA Tech – 102 Meeting the demands of heavy-duty machinery – 104 StratoMAX: Designed for longer, heavier potash trains – 106 How to avoid the top three conveyor system issues in your potash operation – 108 Building on the past for a successful future: Venables Machine Works Ltd. – 110 Mine, all mine: Welco – 112 For your mining needs: Sellick Equipment Ltd. – 114 Improving designs and increasing service life: Standard Machine – 116 Index to advertisers – 118 © 2022 DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproducedby any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission the publisher. Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable address to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the informationand is not responsible for errors, omissions or statementsmade by advertisers. Opinions and recommendationsmade by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. PRINTED IN CANADA | 01/2022
Protecting the Mining Industry
Visit Littelfuse.com/Mining
Our Expertise in Protection Runs Deep Since 1975, Littelfuse products have been protecting electrical systems and the people who use them. Our product solutions withstand the harshest underground and surface mining environments to improve safety and reduce downtime.
Neutral-Grounding Resistors (NGRs) and Monitors ￭ Meet 2018 CE Code requirements
￭ Detect shorted NGR and monitor neutral-to-ground continuity
Motor and Pump Protection ￭ Extends motor life and reduces
downtime ￭ Provides metering, datalogging, and fault diagnostics
Ground-Fault Protection
Ground-Check Relays
Arc-Flash Protection
￭ Advanced filtering eliminates
￭ Combination ground-fault
￭ Reduces arc-flash energy and
nuisance tripping and detects ground faults early ￭ Reliable, sensitive ground-fault detection down to 0 Hz on systems with variable-frequency drives on resistance-grounded systems
Circuit and Power Semiconductor Protection ￭ Extremely current-limiting ￭ Short circuit protection
and ground-check monitoring to ensure proper equipment grounding ￭ Our relays protect equipment at the end of some of the longest mining cable runs in the world
risk of injury or equipment
￭ Redundant solid-state trip circuit provides fast and fail-safe operation even from black start
Surge Protection
Industrial Shock Protection
￭ Clamps and withstands high-
￭ Human-level GFCI protection for
energy transients to prevent equipment damage and downtime ￭ Thermal protection eliminates catastrophic failure
480 and 600 V equipment
￭ Commonly used on submersible
pumps, AC welders, and portable loads in wet areas
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
SHAYNA WIWIERSKI Well, lots has changed since our last issue of PotashWorks magazine. Overall, this past year has been relatively stable in the potash industry. The biggest news this year was the announcement from BHP in August that its Jansen Mine Project will be moving forward. This project will be the single biggest economic investment ever made in Saskatchewan history and you can read more about it on page 26 of this issue. Of course the other major players in Saskatchewan have also made news this year, as you can read in the report from industry expert Steve Halabura on page 18. Now aside from all the latest and greatest in terms of what’s happening in the industry, we here at PotashWorks have evolved as well. 2021 saw the introduction of our e-newsletter, The Potash Producer, which was released three times this year direct to inboxes. If you would like to get on list, we invite you to sign up and share this with your colleagues and friends at www.potashworks.com/potash-producer/. You can also find the past issues of the e-newsletter via that site as well. Finally, we also launched a new potashworks.com, which features weekly updates in the industry, as well as more interactive content and a buyers’ guide full of suppliers that will help you find everything you need and are looking for in the world of potash. We hope you enjoy this issue and we invite all interested companies to share their news and editorial ideas with us. If you would like to contribute a story for future issues of PotashWorks magazine or The Potash Producer e-newsletter, please contact myself at shayna@delcommunications.com. Enjoy this issue! Shayna Wiwierski s
10 PotashWorks 2022
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES A conveyor that isn’t operating properly may result in costly repairs, productivity loss, and unnecessary safety risks for workers. MISTRACKING, SLIPPAGE, AND CARRYBACK ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON ISSUES IN POTASH OPERATIONS. Mistracking refers to a conveyor belt that pulls to one side and runs off its intended track. It’s a significant issue that can lead to additional problems — including belt damage, material spillage, and even damage to the conveyor’s overall structure. Slippage occurs when there is inconsistent tension in the conveyor belt. Without a proper balance of tension, a belt can slip off the pulleys and cause serious problems, including belt or motor failure. Carryback refers to material that doesn’t discharge from the bed, or gets caught in the bed, and is carried back on the return. If not controlled or eliminated, it can cause serious damage to belts and other critical conveyor components. Take proactive steps to reduce the impacts of high repair costs, productivity loss, and safety risks for your people. Have your underground conveyor systems inspected by the experts at West River.
CUSTOM-BUILT CONVEYOR SYSTEMS + TERMINAL EQUIPMENT West River Conveyors + Machinery Co. are specialists in the mining and bulk material handling industries. We have been designing, manufacturing, and inspecting heavy-duty conveyor systems for potash mines and other demanding environments for nearly 40 years.
Call us today at 800 332.2781 or visit our website for more information on inspections for potash mining operations as well as our many other products and services. 8936 Dismal River Road • Oakwood, VA 24631 800 332.2781 • FAX: 276 259.5252 westriverconveyors.com
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF SASKATCHEWAN
SCOTT MOE On behalf the Government of Saskatchewan, it is
global demand for potash will continue to in-
my pleasure to provide an update on our provin-
crease.
cial potash sector.
Our potash companies will be ready to deliver
Potash production in Saskatchewan has been
what the world needs; food, fuel, and fertilizer.
continuous since 1962 when The Mosaic Com-
Saskatchewan’s potash sector accounts for
pany completed its K-1 mine at Esterhazy. Today,
close to 30 per cent of all global production,
Saskatchewan is the sole producer of potash in
producing the most sustainable potash in the
Canada, with three producing companies oper-
world with 50 per cent fewer emissions then
ating 10 mines in Saskatchewan.
competing jurisdictions.
We will soon have a fourth company joining The
We are reaching out to expand our market base
Mosaic Company, Nutrien, and K+S Potash, with
with our trade offices in India, Japan, Singapore,
the recently approved Jansen Mine project from
London, United Kingdom; Dubai, United Arab
BHP.
Emirates; Mexico City, Mexico; and, Ho Chi Minh
In August, BHP announced that it planned to move forward with its Jansen Mine Project, the single biggest economic investment ever made in Saskatchewan history. To date, approximately $5 billion has been spent on construction of the
City, Vietnam. This will help our potash companies get their product to new markets, while growing Saskatchewan’s role in supplying the nutrients needed to produce the ever-increasing amount of food needed to feed the world.
mine, and BHP will invest an additional anticipat-
Here in Saskatchewan, potash companies have
ed $7.5 billion to complete the project.
been active in our communities. In 2020, Sas-
This announcement builds on the momentum the potash industry gained in 2020, and will go a long way of achieving our Growth Plan goal of $9 billion in annual potash sales by the year 2030. In 2020 Saskatchewan recorded record high sales volumes reaching 14 million K 2 O tonnes, an increase of nearly 14 per cent from 2019, and we expect this trend to continue in 2021. Our potash sector has played a leading role in Saskatchewan’s economy for nearly 60 years and is poised to remain one of the province’s key
katchewan potash companies invested $10.5 million in community initiatives, programs, and causes that enhance quality of life across the province. We have a world-class potash industry in Saskatchewan, and our province will continue to be a world leader in potash production for years to come. On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I would like to thank Saskatchewan’s potash companies on continued efforts to grow the industry in our province and build a better Saskatchewan.
economic drivers into the future. Projections of
Scott Moe
higher population growth, and combined with
Premier
growing world income levels, will ensure that
12 PotashWorks 2022
Phil Slade psladesales@sasktel.net Office: (306) 955-5030 Mobile: (306) 227-6539
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF TRADE AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT
JEREMY HARRISON Potash continues be a major economic
ships in established potash markets in Ja-
driver and job-creator in Saskatchewan.
pan, India, and China, while also creating
With approximately 30 per cent of global
new opportunities for potash exporters in
production, we are home to the world’s
other countries.
largest potash industry. Potash was also our province’s top export in 2020, with sales reaching $6 billion, and the industry continuing to provide well-paying jobs to
investments, our potash industry is delivering by taking steps to minimize environ-
5,000 people in our province.
mental impacts as part of the responsible
This past summer, BHP announced plans
that Saskatchewan potash is produced
to complete its Jansen Potash Mine located east of Saskatoon. This represents a $12 billion commitment, the largest single economic investment ever made in Saskatchewan. This project will create thousands of jobs and once the mine is operational
production of this resource. We are proud using 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than potash produced by competitors around the world. I commend the industry for your dedication and leadership on sustainability.
in 2027, it will produce approximately 4.4
We have laid out ambitious targets for our
million tonnes of potash per year.
economy and potash industry in Saskatch-
This investment is a strong sign of the future and optimism of this sector. Over the last 15 years, the industry has invested approximately $30 billion into new mines
ewan’s Growth Plan that include increasing the value of exports by 50 per cent and increasing the annual value of potash sales to $9 billion by 2030.
and expansions. Our substantial potash re-
Since 1962, when Saskatchewan’s first
serves are creating opportunities and we
mine was completed in Esterhazy, the
remain focused on building and maintain-
potash industry has become one of our
ing a competitive investment climate to at-
economy’s most robust sectors. We are
tract further investment and growth.
the gold standard for sustainable, reli-
Our government is also focused on building on our Saskatchewan brand around
able potash production, and are well positioned to meet the needs of a growing
the world. We have a long history as a
world population.
sustainable, reliable provider of potash to
We know the potash sector will continue
international customers and we are working to further develop that reputation. We are in the process of opening four new international trade and investment offices
14 PotashWorks 2022
As global investors focus on sustainable
to drive investment, create jobs, and bring opportunity to the people of Saskatchewan.
in London, Dubai, Mexico City, and Ho Chi
In closing, thank you to everyone in the
Minh City to complement our existing of-
potash industry for your continued hard
fices in Japan, India, Singapore, and China.
work and contributions to creating a
These offices will help us to build relation-
strong Saskatchewan. s
WE BELIEVE IN SASKATCHEWAN BUSINESS
Helping you grow and build. sasktel.com/business
UNMATCHED SEPARATION AND PRODUCT YIELDS Rotex screeners have been the No. 1 choice in potash production for more than 60 years because of their accurate separation and unmatched product yields. Rotex offers potash producers the total solution for their dry separation requirements, including screeners for raw ore preparation, standard, coarse and granular product sizing, glazing and post treatment, and reclaim/load-out. With over 1,000 installations worldwide, Rotex has the experience and proven record to understand your specific requirements. When it comes to potash, talk to the experts!
THE PATH TO HIGHER
1
PROFITS
IS MOSTLY ELLIPTICAL. The legendary APEX™ high performance screener features our exclusive Gyratory Reciprocating Motion. Generating circular and elliptical material flow, this technology enables higher yields with extremely precise near-size separations.
2
3
The Motion That Provides the Performance Rotex Motion Means: Effective ball mesh cleaning system to control blinding for longer uptime Spreads material across the full width of the screen surface, eliminating the need for additional feeding equipment Effective near-size separations for the highest accuracy and efficiency Custom Design Offers: Materials and construction that can handle temperatures up to 400 F/204 C Abrasion and corrosion protection for maximum life of critical components One-, two- and three-deck models available
Rotex Benefits for Potash Producers Process screener solutions Rugged design with quick screen access and proven reliability Polishing screener solutions Highest product recovery efficiency while meeting stringent SGN, UI and other final product quality specifications High throughput tonnage in a compact footprint Minimize capital cost of new plant expansion or plant upgrade Total solutions and total support Unmatched application expertise and aftermarket support
800-453-2321 | rotex.com
LOOKING
BACK AT
2021
A YEAR IN THE
POTASH INDUSTRY
BY STEVE HALABURA P.GEO., HALABURA POTASH CONSULTING LTD. per K 2 O tonne, well up from the previous year’s price of C$390. This means that for the Province, its revenue from potash is up from its budget forecast. By proxy, if its good for the government, it certainly must be good for producers. For North American retail markets, potash prices also rose, propelled upward by sharp increases in the price of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Nitrogen and phosphorus have increased due to several factors, including sharply rising natural gas prices, China’s ban on phosphorus exports, and the ubiquitous supply chain hassles of shipping fertilizer
FROM WHERE I SIT
‘forward-facing’ commodity”, simply
2021 was a year during which potash
clearer as the larger investment world
Higher retail potash prices in the U.S.
supply remained relatively stable,
seeks businesses that are aware of
(and by extension in Canada) as a
leading to overall price stability; how-
their environmental responsibility.
fertilizer were also affected by Amer-
ever, various factors led to significant increases in the global and the “farmgate fertilizer” price. Several of these changes to the potash landscape, in my opinion, may make 2022 as bullish to producers as potash’s last “wave” during the years 2005 to 2010. Will 2022 see record prices? I think so.
because the truth of this is becoming
As we all know, finding open-source potash pricing is a dodgy business, so I will rely upon the Government of Saskatchewan as to production and realized price – after all, one of the world’s biggest potash jurisdictions should have a good idea as to value.
from production sites to markets.
ica’s trade sanctions against Belarus, which curtailed imports of Byelorussian potash. America now imports 90 per cent of its potash, so any choking of this fertilizer lifeline will impact its price. Overall, bad for American and Canadian farmers, but good for Ca-
In its Q1 Finance Report, released in
nadian producers.
Here is my overview of the good and
August 2021, the government report-
the bad: a) while some large mines
ed a “mine netback” price of US$231
In Asia and Europe, the intertwined
shut down, other large mines go for-
per KCl tonne, or C$465 per K 2 O
ward; b) complications caused by in-
tonne, which is well up from the ac-
frastructure and logistics difficulties
tual 2020/21 price of US$180 per KCl
are real and probably will continue; c)
tonne, or C$390 per K 2 O tonne. The
some “new wave” miners move for-
Province also reported on its August
ward, while others encountered grief;
Economic Dashboard that during the
and d) the current climate crisis will
period January to August 2021, its
force “green accountability” upon ex-
mines produced some 9.45 million
isting, and proposed, producers. I re-
tonnes for a revenue of C$4.15 billion,
In its forecast to 2022, the Food and
peat last year’s cliché that “potash is a
which works out to a price of C$439
Agriculture Organization of the Unit-
18 PotashWorks 2022
issues of the COVID pandemic, and shipping and distribution pinch points caused problems in delivery; however, from my investigation, demand remained much the same as 2020. Low palm oil prices led to weak demand from southeast Asian potash purchasers.
ed Nations (FAO) reports that world
now in production, and that it can re-
one’s own market for the product, in-
supply of potash will grow from 52.7
open the mothballed Colonsay mine,
cluding the myriad of logistical chal-
million tonnes in 2020 to 54.2 million
Mosaic was able to announce that
lenges along the way. Nevertheless,
tonnes in 2022, while demand will
despite the closure, it will be able to
the prize is worth it – who wouldn’t
grow from 38.7 million tonnes in 2020
bring on an additional two-million
want to own a “century business”?
to 40.2 million tonnes in 2022, which
tonnes per year over the next year.
suggests an even supply/demand
The same can be said of Saskatche-
balance in the near-term. Global pro-
wan’s other potash producer, Nutrien.
duction capacity is forecast to grow
In August, BHP Billiton Canada Inc. (BHP) announced its decision to proceed with its Jansen mine, located in
Nevertheless, expansion plans for
the heart of the Saskatchewan potash
global, new potash capacity showed
basin. BHP has budgeted $7.5 billion
a resurgence in 2021, in part due to
for its Stage 1 buildout, which should
perceived robust potash economics
return to the company an internal rate
in the longer term. Companies an-
of return (IRR) of 12 to 14 per cent af-
nouncing expansions ranged from the
ter taxes and a seven year payback,
large (BHP Billiton) to the small (Gen-
not including the US$4.5 billion BHP
source Potash and Michigan Potash).
has spent at Jansen since 2006. BHP
It’s tempting to be bullish when fore-
Each of these represent projects that
has booked probable reserves of
casting future supply, given events
have been years in the making, for in-
one-billion tonnes for a reserve life of
such as Mosaic’s premature closure of
stance, BHP Billiton’s 15-year involve-
94 years, with additional measured
its flagship K1 and K2 mines located
ment in Jansen prior to its construc-
and inferred resources estimated at
at Esterhazy, Sask. The closure, an-
tion decision. This speaks in part to
6.5 billion tonnes. Jansen has been
nounced in June 2021, took about
two structural challenges facing any
designed with low operating costs
one-million tonnes of production out
potash developer: raising the capi-
and sustainability in mind. BHP claims
of the system. However, given that
tal required to build large and small
Stage 1 will be a model for sustain-
Mosaic’s new K3 Esterhazy mine is
mines, and the complexity of finding
ability in having less carbon emissions
from 63.5 million tonnes in 2020 to 64.6 million tonnes in 2022, which is an increase of 1.1 million tonnes. This may not be affected until some of the new large mines, such as Jansen and Talitsky, come on stream in the midto late 2020s.
HALABURA
Potash Consulting Ltd. Stephen P. Halabura M.Sc. P.Geo. FEC (Hon.) FGC • Regional evaporite basin analysis • Early-stage exploration program design and management • Mineral Resource assessment (NI43-101 and JORC standards) • Class 5 Concept and PEA study management • Solution mining design and planning • Economic modelling
I can help you advance your potash project!
1.306.220.7715
steveh@conceptforge.ca 2022 PotashWorks 19
per tonne and less fresh water than its
a KCl brine from its pilot site, it was
both American and Asian demand
competitors.
not able to sustain operations and will
through long-established supply in-
probably remain shuttered until addi-
frastructure. We may see more of the
tional capital is provided.
smaller global prospects rejuvenated
In August, the Russia producer Acron announced acceleration of its Talitsky
as higher prices push them into the
greenfield project near Perm from
Gensource Potash, on the other hand,
USD $60 million to $222 million.
has been successful in arranging the
Acron reported that the total budget
financing required to advance work
for the mine is some USD $1.3 billion
on its Tugaske project, so it is likely
with $700 million of this required
that it will begin turning dirt in 2022.
before first production. The under-
This may be due to Gensource’s work
ground mine is designed to produce
in developing strong relationships
2.6 million tonnes per year once fully
with European sources of capital and
size and quality of the Saskatchewan
built, with first production forecast
potash distributors.
Elk Point or the Russian Kama, to dis-
for 2025.
Other small mine greenfield proj-
black. Nevertheless, Canada and Russia, having the world’s largest supply of the mineral, will certainly remain formidable competitors in the global potash marketplace. It would take the discovery of a new basin that is the
rupt the present status quo.
Food security remains a key factor
ects, including Encanto Potash Corp.
We also cannot ignore the impact of
not only to governments, but also
(Muskowekwan
Yancoal
“acts of God”. At the time of writing,
to people. The issues range from the
Canada (Southey Project), Karnalyte
the devastation to the Canadian West
food supply chain to timely produc-
Resources Inc. (Wynyard Project),
Coast caused by flooding is coming
and Canada Golden Fortune Potash
to light, as well as the impact this will
Corp. (Broadview Project), remained
have upon Prairie exports in 2022.
in a state of dormancy. Nevertheless,
The Port of Vancouver is the main
the small miners offer a compelling
shipping point for Saskatchewan pot-
story: a greener, cleaner way to so-
ash to markets in Asia, and it is cut off
lution mine potash, using less water,
from the Prairie mines because, for
and at the same time, leaving most
the first time in history, the CN and CP
lenges is a good bet.
of the waste salt underground. Given
rail lines are severed due to landslides
that more capital groups are seeking
The “small mine” sub-sector also un-
and washouts. Is the potash to be
green and clean investments, it is only
derwent changes during the year.
a matter of time before this group re-
rerouted to other ports? Maybe, but
Some, such as Gensource Potash,
gains the attention of investors.
tion and delivery of consumer food products. The world’s population continues to increase while the arable land base decreases, and the climate crisis is not abating, so it is safe to say that any sector that increases food production in the face of such chal-
were able to structure the financing required to advance its projects. Others faced struggles.
Project),
I doubt there is excess capacity anywhere on the North American West
If there is anything to predict from examining 2021, it is that the strengthening of price and ongoing demand
In Canada, Western Potash Corp.’s
should make for a profitable 2022.
Milestone Project underwent a shut-
There is nothing that the industry can
down due to financing difficulties.
do to untangle snarled supply chains;
While it claimed it was able to create
however, Canada can step up to fill
Coast; besides, potash requires special storage and handling facilities. What will this do to the global price in Q1 and Q2 2022? Your guess is as good as mine. ‘Nuff said. s
DEL Communications Inc. and you,
THE KEY TO SUCCESS. We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: CREATIVE DESIGN | ADVERTISING SALES TRADE PUBLICATIONS | QUALIFIED SALES & EDITORIAL TEAM
Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 Toll Free:1.866.831.4744 | Toll Free Fax: 1.866.711.5282 www.delcommunications.com
20 PotashWorks 2022
www.standardmachine.ca
RE-BUILT and BETTER Than oRIgInaL. Our business is Gearing. Enclosed drives, low speed, high speed, new, repair, upgraded. This is what we do. We are good at it and our warranty proves it.
facility repaired gear drives
Our industry leading 3-year warranty on repaired gearboxes often exceeds the original manufacturer’s warranty. The Timken Power Systems team applies their know-how to improve the reliability and performance of machinery in diverse markets worldwide. The company designs, makes and markets mechanical components, including bearings, gears, chain and related mechanical power transmission products and services.
Standard Machine 868-60 St. Saskatoon, SK S7K 8G8 Phone 306-931-3343 Inquiries - customerservice@standardmachine.ca Website - www.standardmachine.ca
Collaboration and technology propelling Next Generation Potash
Lanigan and Cory teams discuss tele-remote underground operations.
In late 2018, Nutrien embarked on the Next Generation Potash Transformation, a multi-year journey to improve safety, efficiency, and flexibility across the potash network through innovation and a ‘one network’ culture. Next Generation Potash has become a deeply rooted mindset and continues to leverage the power of integration, teamwork, and shared learnings across potash sites. The key focus throughout the entire development process has been on collaboration – bringing six mining operations with different histories and cultures together and designing systems that push the limits of potash mining possibilities. We’re proud to share some perspectives and insights on that journey, from the on-the-ground (and underground) potash teams who are collaborating to turn ideas into reality.
On a mission A key component of Next Generation Potash is autonomous Cory surface tele-remote operations.
22 PotashWorks 2022
mining and tele-remote systems, which are helping to increase both the safety and efficiency of our underground mines by
taking operators out of harm’s way.
“We’re on a mission – and we’re gain-
mining team to build off what was al-
Using a combination of cameras, com-
ing momentum.”
ready developed within Nutrien.”
Faster innovation
In-house expertise at Allan is growing
Elora McLeod, automation project
that two members of the Allan Mine
manager at the Allan site, is leading
Maintenance Engineering team have
the team advancing autonomous min-
been working at Lanigan for one-year
“Tele-remote and autonomous control
ing and tele-remote technologies and
terms to further develop autonomous
of underground mining equipment is
says inter-site collaboration has been
mining technologies. Bringing them
no easy task. Very few underground
essential to the progress her team has
back to Allan at the end of their terms
mining operations have successfully
made.
will allow Allan’s team to learn from
munications systems, and cuttingedge technologies, operators have an overview of the entire mining system in real time and can navigate massive underground machines remotely.
accomplished this, and vendors do not have true off-the-shelf solutions,”
“Allan began collaborating with Cory
says Owen Gunther, automation proj-
and Lanigan’s autonomous mining
ect lead at Lanigan.
teams in early 2021 to understand the
That’s why Nutrien is leveraging its strengths and banding sites together to collaboratively address each challenge, share experiences, and create solutions that enable it to make quick wins in a timely fashion.
trial technologies deployed for teleremote operation, and the autonomous mining network’s support has been critical to concept development at Allan,” says McLeod. “Through site visits, we saw tele-remote systems in action while collaborating to enhance
by the day, thanks in part to the fact
first-hand experience and apply those learnings to the deployment of the site’s first tele-remote machine, which is anticipated in mid-2022.
Learning together Brian Holonics, mine automation project manager at Vanscoy, says the integrated network has saved time by leveraging learnings.
“We’re not just upgrading the equip-
designs. The willingness of other
“The collaboration on automation ini-
ment we use to mine; we’re chang-
teams to bring our site up to speed
tiatives across the network has been
ing the way we mine,” says Gunther.
has allowed the Allan autonomous
fantastic. Open dialogue has allowed
We provide high-quality, fit-for-purpose solutions. safety . people . integrity . experience . quality . innovation
www.HDengineeringDesign.com 2022 PotashWorks 23
The Lanigan surface tele-remote operation stations.
sites to leverage off one another and
their willingness to share information,”
Lanigan recently kicked off a project
coordinate testing and feedback of
says Mamer, noting that the key to
to develop four-rotor miner automa-
technologies as a true network solu-
this transfer of information has been
tion which has created opportunities
tion.”
the strong relationships between the
for the two sites to work closely to-
mines in Nutrien’s network. “Regular
gether, both on technical projects and
information sharing, site visits, and
on developing procedures for the safe
regular meetings of the sites’ proj-
use of the technology.
As one recent example, Holonics points to Vanscoy’s potash operations collaboration with Lanigan that had a radar-based localization system for autonomous steering control, which was a solution that Vanscoy was also pursuing. “By working together, Vanscoy was able to field install the equipment on our underground continuous haulage system and evaluate the technology as a network-based solution,” says Holonics.
ect leads, and Next Generation team members have helped keep the collaboration and camaraderie alive and well.”
ence and learning from other sites has been and continues to be beneficial to the progress being made towards our
New collaborations, new opportunities
collective goals as a company,” says
The Rocanville operation mines in
Supporting the future
a different potash ore seam than the sites around Saskatoon and employs unique equipment and mining
Jump-starting innovation
“Being able to leverage the experi-
methods. However, those differences haven’t stopped Rocanville from con-
Lawless.
Next Generation Potash is focused on technology-driven operational excellence, so collaboration across all functional groups is critical to its success.
mining
tributing to, and benefitting from, the
The operational excellence team is
project lead at the Cory facility, says
Next Generation collaboration activ-
analyzing different strategies to uti-
Cory’s automation project received
ity.
lize the technology in the safest, most
Dan
Mamer,
autonomous
a jump-start when he and electrical planner Tyler Zimmerman spent time with Lanigan’s team, as much of Lanigan’s previous work on tele-remote initiatives was transferable to Cory.
“The technology being used between all the sites is very similar, albeit with some differences in application, allowing for opportunities to share knowledge and assist one another with our
“We were able to quickly catch up,
projects,” says Clayton Lawless, chief
thanks to Lanigan’s progress and
automation engineer at Rocanville.
24 PotashWorks 2022
productive, and reliable manner. With Roger Blain, Bruce Norrish, and Luc Lessard, there are additional boots on the ground to support the implementation and operationalization of the technology. “As we journey on the road to au-
tonomous mining, these collabora-
group was comprised of people from
ensure that these – and many other –
tive efforts will help us to share and
both Allan and Vanscoy who are now
projects continue to add value as sites
learn together as we safely reach new
equipped to go back to their site and
continue to create the mine of the fu-
heights,” says Kenton Peterson, senior
help partner with their automation
ture, today.
manager, operational excellence.
teams on this journey.”
Justin Stade, senior manager of digital
“Next Generation Potash is greater
transformation, is a strong supporter
Looking forward
than the sum of its parts,” says Clau-
of ensuring these new ways of operat-
Tele-remote technologies are con-
tion Potash. “Site-led and site-owned
tinuing to unlock significant potential
initiatives supported by cross-func-
for potash mining operations, and the
tional collaboration with other internal
“A potash IT team recently worked
development of additional automa-
business units are helping us trans-
with the Cory automation team, learn-
tion features are increasing the pre-
form the way we do business to the
ing just what is needed to support
cision and possibilities available to
benefit of potash’s employees and
this technology,” Stade says. “The IT
operators. Ongoing collaboration will
customers.” s
ing become ingrained and foster improved safety and production.
dia Haney, director of Next Genera-
We understand that protecting infrastructure drives profit.
Feeding your process refinery safely and without interruption is paramount.
We have the solution…
Pre-Krete G-8 Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete G-8 has been safeguarding site piping of Potash slurry from abrasive and corrosive conditions at elevated temperatures since 1982.
P: 610-400-1885 l info@pre-krete.com l www.pre-krete.com
2022 PotashWorks 25
The MF460 is equipped with a sophisticated ground penetration radar system that continuously detects, tracks, and measures the location of the clay seams that sit above the potash resource.
Digging the future with BHP’s unique mining system Safer, more efficient, and environmen-
through extensive geological analysis
in a German salt mine, chosen for its
tally friendly – that’s the advantage
using 3D seismic definition. This al-
similar geology and comparable min-
of developing a new mine, like BHP’s
lowed for a comprehensive under-
ing method. It also had good proxim-
Jansen Stage 1.
standing of the potash resource and
ity to Sandvik’s manufacturing facil-
mine plan – a continuous long room
ity.”
“When our Jansen Project team set out to design its mining system, we knew it wouldn’t be any ordinary system. It needed to be fit for purpose and designed specifically for Jansen’s potash ore seam,” says Simon Thomas, BHP asset president, potash. “We also wanted to provide a proven alternative to the conventional active borer technology by introducing a high degree of automation, integrated design, and eventually a remote operation plan at Jansen.” In the early design stages, Jansen went
26 PotashWorks 2022
and pillar approach. With a deeper understanding of the resource, the team could design a full life of mine plan and customize the system specifically for the resource seams.
The end design – a MF460 full face borer miner – feeds onto the fully integrated PO140 extendable conveyor belt system as it mines. The borer is sized to extract the highest grade of
“Our teams worked closely with Sand-
the Jansen potash seam in a single
vik, an international engineering and
cut. Cutting height can be adjusted
equipment company. The system
for
was developed and refined through
while also minimising ore dilution. The
a de-risking program that took near-
belt system consists of several unique
ly a decade, which included a major
components, including a mobile boot
demonstration phase that took over
end with operator station and ground
four years to complete,” says Thomas.
support installation capabilities, a belt
“Simulation testing was completed
support structure feeding station,
managing
ground
conditions,
Fertilizing the Saskatchewan economy. The Jansen potash mine has been given the green light. We want to thank Jansen’s surrounding communities and our Indigenous partners for their support. We look forward to creating jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit the province for a lifetime. We can’t wait to get started. Visit bhp.com/Jansen for more details. Thank you, Saskatchewan.
advancements; it reduces back-andforth, which saves time, energy, and creates an overall safer mining environment. The system can go at high rates for long distances without stopping the mining process, a big win for productivity.” The MF460 consists of existing technology, scaled up and integrated into a truly unique mining system. “There are many moving parts that work in unison to make the system MF460- Sandvik MF460 Borer Miner feeds onto the fully integrated PO140 extendable conveyor belt system as it mines.
successful. It was essential that we worked with Sandvik and the owners of the mine in Germany to test the system in full scale and in an environment
an integrated belt winder (for splic-
tem that continuously detects, tracks,
that would have similar characteristics
ing conveyor belt into the extending
and measures the location of the clay
to Jansen,” says Cheryll Godwin-Abel,
system), an integrated dust extraction
seams that sit above the potash re-
BHP manager project delivery. “The
system, and a monorail services ex-
source. The extendable conveyor fol-
testing allowed us to see the system
tension system which extends power,
lows like a caterpillar down the mined
in actual mining conditions and re-
communications, and ventilation as
room. As the borer moves forward,
solve equipment issues typically ex-
the system mines. The integrated sys-
the support functions are completed
perienced in early operation, before
tem has higher capacity than typical
behind.
bringing it to Jansen. We have a very
potash mining systems, and feeds onto the underground conveyance network that has also been designed to handle this higher capacity.
“While the system mines, it installs the monorail services extension system that contains ventilation, as well as power and communication cables,”
good understanding of how the system works. After all the testing it was a huge success to see improved operating times and safety outcomes.”
The MF460 is equipped with a sophis-
says Thomas. “It’s an efficient all-in-
BHP is currently working to complete
ticated ground penetration radar sys-
one for mining and infrastructure
the final design of the Jansen fleet and continue to work with Sandvik on the mining system automation roadmap
LET US HELP DESIGN, BUILD & MAINTAIN YOUR POTASH FACILITY
as part of the broader automation and remote operation plan for Jansen. The integrated mining system is planned to be operated locally at first, followed with a phased implementation of automation as the technology is calibrated to the Jansen mining environment. “The thing about innovation is that it doesn’t stop,” adds Thomas. “We must design solutions now that have the future firmly in mind.” The innovation of the mining system will benefit the project for decades, making Jansen one of the safest and
FWSgroup.com
28 PotashWorks 2022
cost-effective mines today and into the future. s
WHEN YOU NEED EXPERIENCE,WE HAVE IT COVERED.
Novopro delivers comprehensive engineering solutions from project inception to closure. • Specialized team dedicated to Potash mining and processing 1350 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 600 Montréal, QC, H3G 1J1, Canada 514 286 0004 info@novopro.ca www.novopro.ca
• From process modeling and testing to start up • Cutting CO2 emissions to existing processes using innovations in process technology • Reducing capital and operating costs through design • De-risking projects in mining and mineral processing
Material Handling at its Best! When your products are handled in adverse conditions then Sellick has a forklift for you. Built to meet the heavy demands of North American industries, Sellick’s over 50 years of manufacturing experience provides designs to enhance profitability, productivity, and safety. These include hydraulic fork movement, a variety of fork lengths and attachments, solid and pneumatic tires, air conditioned cabs, and a wide range of lift heights with capacities from 5,000 to 16,000 lbs. Sellick products are supported by a nationwide dealer network providing superior support for parts and service needs. Call toll-free or e-mail us today for complete information.
1-877-SELLICK (735-5425)
sales@sellickequipment.com 2022 PotashWorks 29
Products today for the future
of potash
Market indications and potash producers’ commitment to venture into this market are positive signs that potash de-
Pre-Krete placement via Lance prior to spin casting. Photo courtesy of Imperial Pipe.
mand will increase in the future. As potash producers make these substantial investments, it is paramount that the materials specified and the choices made in procuring equipment and technology today will be working and relevant in the near and distant future.
Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete Lining System is an investment for the future by offering operational longevity for process piping transporting potash slurries. Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete lining experience in solution
feet, providing access to the pipeline. Utilizing high-pressure pumps, the Pre-Krete is moved through flexible hoses and pulled through the pipe while a rotary spray head centrifugally applies the Pre-Krete.
Spin Casting Application: In new pipe Pre-Krete G-8 is applied via spin casting. Utilizing a lance, a “ribbon” of PreKrete is placed along the entire length of the pipe. The pipe is then spun and the Pre-Krete is centrifugally cast to the interior diameter of the pipe. This process requires special
mining of potash began in 1982. Pre-Krete G-8 was tested
equipment and a skillset to assure that component distribu-
and excelled for exposure to an abrasive slurry very high
tion and densification of the Pre-Krete is consistent to as-
in sulfates and chlorides. Performance was based on a pH
sure maximum service life.
ranging from 5 to 8 with line pressure varying from 1,250 to 1,500 psi with process temperatures of 10 C (50 F) to 140 C (284 F). Favourable data resulted in the utilization of our Pre-Krete G-8.
Service Environments: Pocono Fabricators’ Pre-Krete systems are developed to combat the detrimental effects of corrosion and abrasion at elevated temperatures (1000 F / 538 C). The combinations of both chemical and physical attack often lead to unanticipated failures in infrastructure and process equipment.
Installation: Excavation, placement, and backfilling of PreKrete lined pipe is performed by highly skilled contractors. Standards have been developed for the transporting, handling, placement, and welding of the pipe. These details may differ and are specified on a project-by-project basis.
Future: Pocono Fabricators continues to supply PreKrete G-8 to potash producers for pipe ranging from three inches to 54 inches in diameter. Additional applications for Pre-Krete exist in the refinery process of potash. Pocono Fabricators is committed to this market and involved with
Experience: Pre-Krete remains a cost-effective answer to
improving existing products, as well as involved in R&D to
the corrosion/abrasion conditions of solution mining. In ad-
consider new materials for this service. As the world de-
dition to protecting pipelines for potash, Pre-Krete is utilized
mand for agriculturally based food sources increases, yield
in sands oil, sulfur, lithium mining, and geo-thermal applica-
per acre must as well. The demand for potash will keep pace
tions.
with this trend.
Product: Pre-Krete G-8 is a bauxite-based material. The
Pocono Fabricators is a Division of Sauereisen, a third-gen-
material matrix is defined by incorporating components
eration company established in 1899. Sauereisen offers a
that provide corrosion and abrasion resistance, as well as in-
complete line of protective linings and repair materials for
novations that control physical characteristics. Compressive
new and rehabilitation applications. Visit them online at
strength, flexural strength, coefficient of thermal expansion,
www.sauereisen.com.
thermal stress index, thermal shock, K-factor, or thermal conductivity must be tendered in order to assure compatibility with substrates where Pre-Krete is employed.
For mor information contact: Robert B. Boileau 160 Gamma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Insitu Application: Existing subsurface pipe is lined. Ex-
610-400-1885
cavated access points are located every 600 feet to 1,000
rboileau@pre-krete.com s
30 PotashWorks 2022
A shared responsibility MINING IDEAS TOWARDS A NET-ZERO CANADA BY KEVIN GODDARD, RBC VICE-PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, SASKATOON If Canada is to meet its ambitious tar-
The questions that emerge revolve
ing biofuels for reducing emissions
gets of net-zero (reducing emissions
around how will we reach the shared
in heavy freight, shipping, and ma-
by 40 per cent by 2030 and net-zero
horizon of net-zero, how will we fi-
rine and air travel.
by 2050), it will require an integrated
nance the big pivot, and who will
and holistic approach where we all
shoulder the cost?
play a role and share the responsibil-
• Making mining and cement and steel production cleaner through
Through data and insights, RBC
policy changes and investments
Thought Leadership has identified
that encourage usage of technol-
six key paths to a net-zero Canada.
ogy like industrial heat pumps and
It is not a journey without a cost. RBC
Sixty-seven per cent of these ideas
CCUS.
Thought Leadership benchmarks it
require reducing emissions from in-
as a $2 trillion transition over three
dustry, agriculture, buildings, and
decades. Based on RBC’s estimates,
transportation, while 33 per cent re-
governments, businesses, and com-
quire decarbonizing the electricity
munities would need to spend at
and oil and gas industries.
ity. The journey requires a mandate with many layered accountabilities.
least $60 billion a year to cut Can-
• Changing how we grow food by applying less fertilizer, incentivizing farmers to use regenerative farming techniques, rethinking livestock production and manure manage-
These ideas include:
ment, and switching from fossil fuel
ada’s emissions by 75 per cent from current levels to take us as far as we
• Doubling the supply of green elec-
equipment.
can go leveraging current technolo-
tricity and scaling up renewable en-
gies.
ergy production and storage.
The path before us requires the rei-
and industries despite knowing it is
Capture, Utilization and Storage
the right thing to do. That discom-
build living spaces, how we grow
(CCUS)
fort is furthered by the awareness
food, how we power our lives, and
across the oil and gas sector.
ciples that will pave the way. This is something that the potash industry knows a great deal about when you consider its role in benefitting the agriculture industry because of its incredible importance to the health
and
scaling
discomfort across different sectors
magining of how we design and
is the ideas that embody these prin-
and
Leaning into these ideas can create
Carbon
the energy systems we lean into. It
• Deploying
sources for heating and farming
Direct-Air
Capture
that many sectors have taken impor-
• Accelerating home retrofits reducing upfront costs, attracting more skilled
tradespeople,
shortening
governmental regulatory policies on environmental protections.
payback periods on upgrades, in-
This is a journey that benefits from
creasing electric power, and de-
being principles led, innovation fu-
ploying heat pumps.
eled, and collaboratively pursued. It
• Improving
consumer
uptake
of
of soil, plant growth and fruit yields,
electric vehicles, driving innovation
and animal nutrition.
in battery technology, and leverag-
34 PotashWorks 2022
tant steps to stay ahead of minimum
is also a journey that requires a balanced and responsible approach. This is indeed a transition. We must
Sixty-seven per cent of these ideas require reducing emissions from industry, agriculture, buildings, and transportation, while 33 per cent require decarbonizing the electricity and oil and gas industries.
innovations. They also can serve as a stage for showcasing leaders in the field and new ideas from both within and beyond Canada, and both within and outside the industry. That is why shouldering the responsibility can’t only fall on one industry
be mindful that Canada will continue
Headwinds in the form of complex
to rely on natural resources and tra-
issues continue to face the mining
ditional sources of energy for some
industry as a whole. The solutions
time. Energy and energy infrastruc-
can be found in a multi-disciplinary
ture are complex issues with differ-
approach that spans the diverse
ing views on the development and
economic, social, and environmental
transportation of energy resources,
needs of Canada if our shared path is
This would also require more trans-
which is why all stakeholders need
to be truly sustainable.
parency on how everyday products,
to be part of the conversation. This
or one sector over another – there is a shared stewardship among all Canadians to do their part through ideas that centre on education around how our choices impact emissions.
including when purchasing homes,
conversation can only benefit from
Industry associations and key pub-
compare on emissions and the cost
having the natural resource and en-
lications, such as PotashWorks, also
of those emissions to the environ-
ergy sector fully present as we work
play an important role. Not only can
ment. It would also mean providing
towards identifying innovation and
these channels provide leadership,
clarity of greener options at lower
clean technologies that will help re-
they can be gathering places for
costs. We can also further explore
duce emissions and emissions inten-
showcasing proven best practices
making greener transit more enjoy-
sity.
and new-to-market green-friendly
able while also nudging consumers
Proudly supporting Saskatchewan potash.
We move the industries that move the world. With decades of experience and specialists across the transportation process, we are equipped to haul a diverse range of equipment servicing your LTL & FTL flatbed, step deck, RGN, and specialized freight needs including a division dedicated to transporting bulk commodities. If it has to move, it has to be Q-Line. Put us to work for you.
QLineTrucking.com
sales@qlinetrucking.com | 306-651-3540
2022 PotashWorks 35
towards using less electricity during
able finance, federal and provincial
make their own decisions on how
peak times. It comes down to making
cooperation, and driving consumer
to affect their own behaviour.
environmental impact an important
behaviour.
part of consumer choices alongside price, function, brand loyalty, and overall value.
This may include:
• Support Canada industry and sectors in the face of transition through regulation
to
protect
Canadian
• Drive for clarity through a clear
companies from global markets
There is a role for government as
carbon price to demonstrate to
with more lax policies unaffected
well. Government and regulation
consumers the real price of their
by these increased investments.
can continue to play a leading role in
actions, allowing households, busi-
creating new approaches to sustain-
nesses, and local governments to
• Deploy innovations to support industry in efforts to decarbonize key sectors. • Implement a federal green skills training strategy to prepare the next generation of workers needed for powering a net-zero economy. This has implications for reskilling workers in affected sectors, as well as in our approach to attracting skilled immigrants. Canada’s approach should aim to improve the lives of the current generation while ensuring that future generations will have adequate resources and opportunities. As individuals, industries, governments, and academia, we can’t take this journey in silos. Not only do we share the same path and the benefits from pursuing it successfully, we all share in the responsibilities of serving as connectors, conveners, idea generators, and educators in this space. It is within us and in front of us to achieve this but only if we move shoulder to shoulder as one nation so that no one gets left behind and we all can thrive and prosper. For more information on Canada’s climate journey and other issues important to industries and Canadians, please visit RBC Thought Leadership at thoughtleadership.rbc.com. s
36 PotashWorks 2022
NEW E-NEWSLETTER
Grab your phone, scan the QR code and conveniently
SUBSCRIBE
FOR FREE
Delivered
to your inbox 4 times / year. Reach project managers, drill operators, managers, project managers, CEOs, associations, partners, and many more in Ontario’s mining industry. Email mic@delcommunications.com
for more information and a media kit.
IMII, MITACS AND SASKATCHEWAN’S POTASH INDUSTRY –
Collaborating to build innovation capacity
In June 2019, the IMII and Mitacs announced a partnership to fund student internships to advance research and development into innovations in Saskatchewan’s minerals industry, including its potash industry. Nutrien - Lanigan Potash.
What happens when you combine
expertise. The partnership has helped
downtime from a loss of power from
the resources of a group like the Inter-
to advance innovations that matter to
high-voltage
national Minerals Innovation Institute
mining by bringing together research
lines and is investigating artificial
(IMII), with its focus on innovations
collaborations between industry and
intelligence-based solutions for im-
that matter to mining, with those of
academia, while also assisting in the
proving on the time and accuracy of
Mitacs – Inspiring Innovation, in col-
development
fault location.
laboration with the Saskatchewan
highly qualified technical students,
potash industry? You get projects
graduate students, and postdoctoral
that build innovative technologies
scholars.
modeling of mining seismicity proj-
The potential value of initiatives under
versity of Western Ontario.
and innovation capacity for the minerals industry.
and
recruitment
of
the partnership began with a $1.2 mil-
or
medium-voltage
• A statistical hazard assessment and ect between Nutrien and the Uni-
In June 2019, the IMII and Mitacs an-
lion investment. Mitacs will contrib-
• A research study into the recruit-
nounced a partnership to fund stu-
ute up to $660,000 over five years,
ment and retainment of women in
dent internships to advance research
and IMII a further $540,000. To date,
engineering and the minerals indus-
and development into innovations in
three projects have been approved
try with a PhD student in the Uni-
Saskatchewan’s minerals industry, in-
under the terms of the partnership
versity of Saskatchewan’s College
cluding its potash industry. This was
focused on advancing technologies
of Engineering.
built off an experience to support a
and qualified people for Saskatche-
project between BHP, Nutrien, and
wan’s potash industry. These include:
Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the
These three projects show the flexibility in advancing applied research
• A data-driven based approach for
projects based on industry needs
fault location identification in mines’
through organizations such as IMII
buried or underground electrical
and Mitacs. A need may be identified
systems – with Mosaic and Nutrien
by a group of companies – as in fault
included as industry partners (along
location, by a single company – by
Both IMII and Mitacs agreed to sup-
with one other non-potash produc-
advancing the understanding of min-
port Saskatchewan’s major minerals
er) and the University of Saskatch-
ing seismicity, or by the sector as a
companies, including BHP, Mosaic,
ewan as academic partner. This
whole with the research into improv-
and Nutrien, by leveraging funding,
project recognizes the potentially
ing the recruitment and retainment of
connections, and academic research
significant costs associated with
women in the minerals industry.
development of a real-time underground location system, coming out of AIMday Minerals, which was a firstof-its-kind event.
38 PotashWorks 2022
The partnership is being implement-
dustry needs, present and future,
of areas and disciplines, in addition
ed based on requests for research-
for many areas, including safety and
to engineering, including manufac-
ers issued by IMII and its industry
the environment. For more informa-
turing, business processes, IT, social
members. It is facilitated by Mitacs’
tion about IMII and its initiatives, see
connections with colleges and uni-
www.imii.ca.
sciences, design, and more. Mitacs is
versities in Saskatchewan and across Canada. For IMII, Mitacs’ ability to help connect industry with academics willing and able to work with industry not only from within the province, but nationally, is a key component of building value from the partnership.
funded by the Government of Cana-
Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization
da and the Government of Saskatche-
that fosters growth and innovation in
wan, along with every other province,
Canada by helping to solve business
industry, and not-for-profit partners,
challenges with research solutions
such as IMII and academic partners.
from academic institutions. Mitacs is a proven industry partner and the proj-
For more information about Mitacs and
ects it funds can span a wide range
its programs, see www.mitacs.ca. s
“Mitacs is thrilled by the success of the partnership with IMII and its ability to support innovation important to Saskatchewan’s minerals industry,” says John Hepburn, CEO and scientific director, Mitacs. “Advancing research within this valuable sector with a co-
DESIGN. CONSTRUCT. MAINTAIN.
hort of interns is bringing tremendous benefits to Saskatchewan’s economy and the minerals industry across the country.” From IMII’s perspective, “this partnership is enjoying success because of willing industry and academic partners with Saskatchewan and Mitacs’ connections with colleges and universities across Canada,” says Al Shpyth, IMII’s executive director. “Research internships provide valuable opportunities to both the minerals companies hosting the interns and the students engaging in the applied research to have a problem solved and find a potential employee.” The partnership between IMII and Mitacs is now at its mid-point, but both parties see the potential for committing all the funds to projects before the MOU reaches its conclusion. IMII is a non-profit organization jointly funded by industry and government, and committed to developing and implementing innovative education, training, research, and development partnerships
for
• • • • •
Engineering Manufacturing Construction Field Services Training
Dynamo sets a global standard as an integrated provider of engineering, technical and construction services in the mining, industrial and utility sectors. We strive to be the best at what we do, from providing solutions with sustainable value for our customers, to ensuring we maintain an exceptional work environment for our people.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE We pride ourselves in taking care of our clients and creating long-term relationships. Our integration of multiple services sets us apart because clients can get all of the services they require directly from one service provider. You can expect consistent communication, customer service and sustainable solutions, regardless of which department you need. Saskatoon * Regina * Churchbridge * Calgary * Winnipeg Toll Free 1-866-502-3355 Email info@dynamogroup.ca www.dynamogroup.ca
Saskatchewan’s
world-class minerals industry. IMII’s unique collaboration model facili-
DRIVEN BY VALUE. POWERED BY VALUES.
tates a research focus to meet in-
2022 PotashWorks 39
SIMSA continues its rapid growth through increased member services The Saskatchewan Industrial and Min-
bon reduction needs, as well as as-
ing Suppliers Association’s (SIMSA)
sisting them to fulfill the major mining
membership has grown 25 per cent
companies’ digital innovation needs.
through COVID. SIMSA attributes this continued growth to items such as its numerous supplier/buyer events, as well as the development of its member database. This database is now a supplier short-listing tool, filled with only Saskatchewan suppliers, and is a key gateway to becoming a “local” supplier to BHP’s Jansen potash project (as well as over 50 other projects).
This role will function in concert with the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII). The IMII is a unique innovation supporting a network of mining companies, government departments and agencies, as well as post-secondary and research institutions. It is jointly funded by industry and government, and exists to deliver innovations that matter to mining
SIMSA’s newest member service is a
in Saskatchewan. The IMII’s mineral
continuation of its leadership in the
company members include BHP, Ca-
digital innovation and carbon reduc-
meco, Mosaic, and Nutrien.
tion spheres and SIMSA proudly announced the selection of James Bulmer as its industrial concierge.
The industrial concierge is the next step on SIMSA’s netzero journey, following the release of its Carbon Calculator for the industrial supply chain.
Leveraging his background in R&D and manufacturing, Bulmer will also help facilitate partner development
As the concierge, he provides free
between the IMII’s minerals-industry
personalized advice to SIMSA mem-
members and SIMSA members, and
bers on their energy efficiency/car-
will help connect resource-producer
needs with supply chain solution providers. In his previous role as a production E.I.T. for International Road Dynamics, Bulmer worked with teams to create new products and set up new supply chains. More specifically, the concierge service will be a connector (more so than a doer) between SIMSA members and; • Resource producers – relaying industries’ needs, as well as SIMSA members’ abilities to fulfill them (especially in the area of digital innovation). • Solutions providers – sourcing leads to third-party solutions for SIMSA
Your complete electrical suppler, proudly serving the electrical community since 1919
members to address industries’ current and future needs (especially in the area of carbon reduction). • Funding agencies – sourcing leads to funding agencies to assist in these efforts.
www.eecol.com 40 PotashWorks 2022
The industrial concierge is the next step on SIMSA’s net-zero journey, fol-
lowing the release of its Carbon Cal-
sions by different buildings, street ad-
director at SIMSA. “As this position is
culator for the industrial supply chain
dresses, or even by segments within a
new to the market and SIMSA, James’
(it can be downloaded for free from
building.
previous work as the communicative
SIMSA.ca). SIMSA commissioned the development of its custom Carbon Calculator for the mining, energy, and
As the industrial concierge (and as the next step from the carbon calculator),
handshake between engineering and manufacturing will be invaluable.”
Bulmer has already begun compiling
SIMSA currently represents over 270
a library of resource materials on the
Saskatchewan suppliers to Saskatch-
various relevant topics, which are now
ewan’s mining, energy, and industrial
developed with the assistance of BHP,
available to SIMSA members.
sector. This group of companies rep-
Cameco, Nutrien, and TC Energy, as
Further, he has connected with several
well as funding from the Government
research institutions, key SIMSA mem-
industrial supply chain in Saskatchewan—helping lead the charge on carbon reduction. The calculator was
of Canada.
bers, government agencies, as well as
resents well over 21,000 employees and $11 billion in revenue. SIMSA’s mandate is to represent the interests and concerns of only Saskatchewan
The calculator allows suppliers to ac-
BHP, Cameco, Mosaic, and Nutrien. He
curately assess their Scopes 1 and 2
is also currently pulling together the in-
industrial equipment and service sup-
carbon emissions levels. From there,
dustry’s needs on both carbon reduc-
pliers through promotion of its mem-
suppliers can develop solutions to re-
tion and digital innovation.
bers and the creation of partnerships
duce their carbon output and take effective steps to make those reductions a reality, with the assistance of SIMSA’s industrial concierge. The calculator allows for up to 10 separate locations to
SIMSA members can submit their assistance requests to Bulmer at james. bulmer@simsa.ca, or by calling (306) 343-0019.
with industry and other associations. SIMSA is the only construction-related association that represents only Saskatchewan-based suppliers and notes that there is nearly four-times as much
be evaluated at once, combining those
“SIMSA is excited to have the oppor-
economic impact from purchasing
calculations into one total output. This
tunity to work with a person of James’
from a local supplier as there is from
could include calculating carbon emis-
abilities,” says Eric Anderson, executive
one outside of the province. s
Proudly serving the mining industry for over 60 years.
817-50th Street East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada S7K 3Y5
www.iwlsteel.com T: 306-242-4077 F: 306-934-2827 E: info@iwlsteel.com
The quality and complexity of our platework capabilities ensures customer satisfaction Specializing in: • Integrated 3D modelling & fabrication • Bucket elevator casings • Tanks • Customized fabrication for material handling • Mechanical chutework • Pipe spools • Conveyor galleries & pipe modules • Pump boxes & launders • Potash grizzlies • Belt conveyors & cross conveyors • Material gates & splitter gates • Cyclones
2022 PotashWorks 41
How to customize your air compressor for a potash site Compressed air is so essential to so many industries that it is often referred to as “the fourth utility”. At the heart of every mining operation is some kind of air compressor, and if the air stops the work stops. Potash extraction and refining is particularly air-intensive, requiring compressed air for everything from drills to crushers to conveyors. Most potash operations will have more than 1,000 HP in working air compressors, often running 24/7. Unfortunately, nearly all the standard air compressor packages on the market are optimized for the manufacturing sector, so many of the components are selected for a relatively clean, indoor environment. While these packages are rugged enough for the vast majority of industrial sites, they cannot account for the highly corrosive atmosphere of a potash site.
A custom stainless-steel air compressor package designed and assembled by Comairco.
Potassium compounds (KCl, KOH, etc.) cause accelerated corrosion in carbon steel, and even in “corrosion-resistant” materials such as aluminum and 304 stainless steel. Many paint products and other coatings are also unsuitable for this environment. These days, OEM-standard air compressor packages will include aluminum radiators, carbon steel electrical enclosures, and “general-purpose” coatings. Potash sites are often forced to invest in these compressors while knowing they are unsuitable for their environment. Luckily, Comairco can provide fully customized packages using our own facilities and personnel. Comairco has been a critical supplier to the North American mining industry since 1972, and offers a wide variety of products and services related to air compressors, blowers, and vacuums. Compressor customizations have been an important part of Comairco’s business since day one, and they now have the facilities and expertise to offer fully cus-
electrical items that are often overlooked by compressor OEM’s, such as plexiglass barriers, protocol converters, oversized terminal strips, and additional instrumentation. Comairco can even replace the OEM controller entirely, subbing in the PLC of your choice. For protection of carbon steel components, Comairco can provide a wide variety of coating products and systems. Their engineers can recommend a coating system, or they can work to your own engineer’s coating specifications. If there are space constraints inside the existing buildings, Comairco can provide an “all weather air” (AWA) package. The AWA is shipped with the compressor and accessories fully installed in a winterized, automated enclosure. On top of all the customizations mentioned already, Comairco can provide stainless-steel ventilation dampers and stainlesssteel piping to ensure maximum protection of your invest-
tom packages for corrosive environments.
ment.
Comairco can replace the aluminum radiators with custom
These important customizations will allow you to invest in a
models made from copper, cupronickel, or 316 stainless
compressor that is truly suited for a potash site, instead of
steel. Their engineers can even oversize the radiators to ac-
the general-purpose packages offered by the OEMs. Co-
count for a compressor room that is “always way too hot!”
mairco’s investment in personnel and facilities ensure qual-
The standard carbon steel electrical enclosures can be
ity products at competitive pricing.
replaced with fibreglass or 316 stainless steel enclosures
Visit www.comairco.ca to contact one of their 23 North
meeting NEMA 4X. This is also a great opportunity to add
American locations. s
42 PotashWorks 2022
WHEN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY NEEDS COMPRESSED AIR, THEY TRUST COMAIRCO TO MEET THEIR EXPECTATION.
INDUSTRIAL COMPRESSORS
ELECTRIC COMPRESSORS
TECHNICAL SERVICES
USED EQUIPEMENT
PISTON COMPRESSORS
PORTABLE COMPRESSORS
COMAIRCO SASKATOON 3006 Cleveland Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 8B5
306 653-5755
800 761-8780
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
OIL FREE COMPRESSORS
COMAIRCO REGINA * NEW LOCATION 609 Park Street, Regina, SK S4N 5N1 306 545-3930
WWW.COMAIRCO.COM
Potash operations can count on A&B Rail Services Ltd.
A&B Rail Services has grown from a small regional rail contractor to a fully integrated service provider operating out of six locations across Canada.
A&B Rail Services has the experience, equipment, and qualified personnel to service the rail needs of the potash industry – for any size operation, anywhere in Canada.
• Switching – loading, inspection, coordination, and delivery of your product to the Class 1 rail lines; • Operations Support – training your team on the spe-
Our team of safety-conscious rail experts have managed
cific regulatory and operational requirements of your
several successful contracts with high-profile potash op-
railway operation;
erations across Canada with all services completed to Class 1, Industrial, AREMA, and Transport Canada specifications. Potash operations can count on A&B Rail Services for: • Track Construction – design, management, and all necessary testing to lay track;
• Railcar Maintenance – performing certified car inspections, brake tests, and all associated repairs needed to keep your fleet in top condition; • Signals & Communications – traffic control for sites that require automated signals systems to protect your staff, the community, and public crossings at grade;
• Inspection & Maintenance – rail and tie replacement
• Track Protection and Flagging – keeping people and
programs, surfacing, weigh scales, and emergency
capital assets safe whenever a contractor’s work, in-
work;
cluding our own construction and maintenance activi-
44 PotashWorks 2022
We exceed service expectations for the most demanding rail sites in the Class 1, transit, short line, and industrial sectors including potash, oil & gas, mining, forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution. ties, have the potential to interfere with active operations; • Materials & Supplies – sourcing what you need when you need it; • Equipment – specialized rail equipment available to get the job done right; A&B’s full suite of rail services is designed to bring you peace of mind!
Safety above all else A&B Rail Services proudly boasts of a strong safety culture. Our people are committed to each other’s safety, ensuring that everyone can go home to their families at the end of the workday. We believe that employee engagement, leadership, and regular training are requirements for a safer workplace. We respect our customers and being the best at safety is a great way to show it. Trust our experts to ensure your site has the infrastruc-
Our Story
ture and logistical support needed to keep trains moving
A&B Rail Services has grown from a small regional rail
time.
smoothly, safely, and to get your products to market on
contractor to a fully integrated service provider operating out of six locations across Canada with over 1,000
Contact us today for a quote at 1.800.661.5645, or visit
capable, experienced employees. We exceed service ex-
our website at www.abrail.com to find out more about
pectations for the most demanding rail sites in the Class 1,
how we can keep your track operations in motion. s
transit, short line, and industrial sectors including potash, oil & gas, mining, forestry, manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution.
2022 PotashWorks 45
Your next generation construction partner Lifecycle construction management
From small renovations to complex
ecuted projects of every scope and
billion dollar projects; from modu-
size across a wide variety of industri-
lar construction to advanced digital
al and commercial markets. We offer
technologies, PCL has you covered.
our clients a fully tailorable solution
We redefine full-service and bring
from fabrication to site execution to
expertise across all project types, at
ongoing facility maintenance. Our
all scales and under all procurement
deep experience and relationships
models. As innovative solution pro-
allow us to provide clients a variety
viders and construction specialists,
of delivery and commercial terms.
driven our development of an appli-
From start to finish and beyond
offer as tailorable solutions to our cli-
we leverage our expertise to customize the right approach for your project, maximizing value for the best price. Flexible and innovative, we’re focused on achieving your project vision and business goals.
Fully tailorable solutions
Using our knowledge and previous
With each project completed, we have learned, found efficiencies, obtained best practices and discovered new approaches. A considerable number of these developments have cation-based software suite that we ents.
work experience, PCL is able to ad-
Ultimately, each of the stack appli-
just and adapt based on your proj-
cations, used separately or in con-
ect’s specific needs. This means
cert, bring greater cost and sched-
adopting lean construction princi-
ule certainty, while also reducing the
ples, tailored programs and working
incredible manual effort needed to
With operations ranging from the
with our in-house engineering teams
maintain documents and processes
Canadian North to the Gulf Coast
to cover all aspects of your project
separately. By structuring the appli-
and from east to west, PCL has ex-
from start to finish.
cations in a consistent manner, plan-
46 PotashWorks 2022
Using our knowledge and previous work experience, PCL is able to adjust and adapt based on your project’s specific needs. ning and ultimately construction execution is made more efficient. We deliver tailored programs for all new construction and existing upgrades and facility CAPEX projects. We offer direct-hire services across all major disciplines as well as manage specialty subcontract scopes as your project requires. Scaled project delivery means that we bring PCL’s proven safety, quality and productivity controls and align them with your unique project demands. We scale our processes, systems and subject matter experts as your job requires, giving you exactly the pieces that you need, and nothing more. PCL has demonstrated success across
TOGETHER WE BUILD SUCCESS.
North America in the maintenance and turnaround market. We partner with our clients to reduce their production costs and safeguard their assets’ reliability and performance. We have the ability and knowledge to
manage all aspects of your project. Starting with our embedded planners at the onset of the project, we are able to plan and execute the full scope of work and can adjust quickly as site needs change. s
Early Contractor Involvement |
Maintenance & Turnaround |
Large Projects |
Build a project with us. PCL.COM
Regina: 306-347-4200 Saskatoon: 306-931-3322 Edmonton: 780-733-5000 Capex |
2022 PotashWorks 47
Production underway at Esterhazy K3’s South Shaft Headframe
Thanks – and congratulations – to the many Mosaic employees and contract partners who contributed to the safe, successful commissioning of Esterhazy K3’s south shaft headframe, mine storage bins and conveyance systems.
Esterhazy’s K3 has twin shafts that sink more than 3,000 feet – each covered by headframes that rise more than 300 feet above ground. The north shaft (on right) is used to move ore to the surface and transport people and equipment. The south shaft (on left) will be used solely to move ore to the surface.
The future of Esterhazy is taking
Commissioning of the south shaft
week thereafter to achieve an ad-
shape. Rich potash ore continues to
and mine ore handling system took
ditional 40,000 tons of hoisting ca-
be hoisted up K3’s completed north
place throughout October. First ore
pacity per day by December. Three
shaft at an average rate of more than
was safely and successfully conveyed
additional mining machines are ex-
30,000 tons per day, and production
through the massive 6,000-ton-ca-
pected to be in production at K3 by
is now underway at Esterhazy K3’s
pacity south coarse ore bin, and then
June 2022.
south shaft.
conveyed through the south surge bin system up the south shaft head-
Mining machines that are cutting in a production panel make three pass-
“Thanks to the dedication of our team
frame using the newly completed
and contract partners – the south
Koepe hoist and 60-ton skips. Ore
es – the first pass to set the direc-
shaft headframe was safely com-
from mining machines cutting in the
tion and forge a new path through
pleted approximately three months
south portion of K3 is conveyed to
rock, then second and third passes
ahead of schedule,” explains Bernie
the south coarse ore bin. From here,
to mine ore. More than 21,000 feet
Boutin, director of capital projects
it can be directed to either the south
(or 247,000 tons) have been cut by
– K3. “It was always a goal to accel-
surge bin and hoisting system, or to
these machines utilizing first-pass
erate completion of the south shaft
the north surge bin and hoisting sys-
automation since testing began in
tem.
April 2021, and the entire fleet is
headframe, mine ore storage bins, and related conveyor systems, how-
Production began at K3’s south shaft
ever the early closure of K1 and K2
in November – starting at 10,000
made it that much more important.”
tons per day then ramping up every
Mining machines that are cutting in a production panel make three passes – the first pass to set the direction and forge a new path through rock, then second and third passes to mine ore. 48 PotashWorks 2022
expected to be operating autonomously for all three passes in fully developed production areas in early 2022. Running these machines with minimal human intervention reduces risk for our employees and eliminates downtime, as they can safely operate 24/7. s
DEEPLY INVESTED IN MINING. Maximum uptime and effective operating cost management are key to success in mining and to make it happen, you need a vendor/partner who is as deeply invested in the industry as you are. Brandt delivers:
More Equipment
More Support
More Technology
Complete lineup of John Deere equipment and a broad range of custom Brandt-designed/built units, tailored to your operation.
Mining equipment component repair and re-life programs to minimize total cost of ownership.
State-of-the-art solutions from Topcon, iVolve, and more to help you maximize productivity and profitability.
brandt.ca 1-888-227-2638
Growing with the needs of the potash industry Created in 1965 to manufacture and service cutting tools
Through a partnership with ULMA Conveyor Compo-
for underground mining while the potash industry was
nents, Bit Service has been able to introduce a revo-
developing in Saskatchewan, Bit Service Company Ltd.
lutionary, high-quality conveyor roller system to the
has grown to provide a wide range of solutions for the
Saskatchewan potash industry. More than 40 years
mining, construction, and materials handling industries.
of continuous development in the phosphate mines
Headquartered in Saskatoon, the company now also offers warehousing and distribution of inventory, manufacturing, and fabrication facilities, as well as a staff of experienced design and technical personnel. Its markets have not only grown outside the local potash industry, but across the country as well.
of North Africa have allowed them to develop rollers specifically designed for the needs of underground phosphate and potash mining. Starting with highly engineered and thoughtfully designed rollers and idlers, with some of the industry’s most advanced R&D and testing laboratory facilities, through to the industry’s first digitally monitored roller system, ULMA Conveyor
Bit Service has long been known for their expertise in car-
Components is a world leader in the field. The uncom-
bide and specialty cutting tools for underground mining
promising design and manufacturing quality of ULMA’s
through their own local manufacturing combined with
products, along with technological innovations never
partnerships with Kennametal. Strategic partnerships like
before seen in these applications, are the start of an
these provide synergies in engineering and manufactur-
exciting new chapter in potash mining.
ing capabilities, which allow complementary skillsets to bring forth a full range of cutting solutions to the mining industries. The prominent reputation that Bit Service developed in the area of cutting tools and accessories tends to overshadow the long history the company has had in material handling in underground mining. For many decades, a relationship with Cincinnati Mine Machinery has brought the industry-standard conveyor chains to the potash market. This has allowed underground maintenance and operations to employ a system, which in most cases exceed the
Building on their ability to meet the unique needs of
service requirements of the boring machines, continuous
the underground potash industry’s conveying needs, a
miners, and roadheaders they were deployed on.
partnership with STARCLEAN, introduces the most innovative and effective conveyor belt cleaning system to date. The STARCLEAN Conveyor Belt Cleaners ensure a perfect, belt-saving cleaning of your conveyor belt. Through their extremely long life span and toolless blade changes, maintenance concerns of other belt scraper systems are alleviated. For underground potash, their innovative TWIST-SWING® technology with segmented scraper blades allows for a system which evades obstacles or uneven regions (yes, even damaged belts and mechanical splices) in the belt surface and still maintains optimum tension to provide effective cleaning.
50 PotashWorks 2022
The prominent reputation that Bit Service developed in the area of cutting tools and accessories tends to overshadow the long history the company has had in material handling in underground mining.
Progressive growth in providing the end user solutions to
The team at Bit Service looks forward to a bright future in
their mining and bulk handling activities has enabled Bit
the industry and the ability to tackle the many challenges
Service to stay closely connected to their clients. Innovat-
the ongoing evolution will bring. s
ing through product development and strategic partnerships is what drives the industry to maintain its competitiveness and strength in the global market.
For 56 years you have relied on our locally manufactured radial bits and cutting assemblies
Material handling solutions are one of our core areas of expertise. See how our team can improve your ore handling systems.
bitservice.ca
I Phone 306-653-0988
I
E-mail admin@bitservice.ca
2022 PotashWorks 51
Evolving abrasion lining systems in the potash industry Commercial Sand Blasting and Paint-
short life expectancy because of the
and high-strength adhesives offered
ing (CSBP) has supported the mining
week tensile strength of the concrete
longer service life and better wear re-
and mineral processing industry since
surface that was subject to object
sistance. CSBP started to experiment
1968 with the provision of abrasion-
impact and chloride, causing spalling
with beaded compounds and butted
resistant lining solutions. We have
and cracking. Once the concrete was
alumina tile that was standard in the
worked with our customers and sup-
compromised, the expanded cor-
plier partners to provide solutions for
roded mesh would dislodge the con-
coal industry. Again, CSBP’s diverse
the potash industry that extend the
crete which caused flow issues and
service life of tanks, piping and pro-
plugged systems.
cess vessels, while reducing costs.
industry knowledge and solutions focus helped to push technology forward in the potash industry. Although
In the late ‘70s, after testing, Com-
the beaded compounds were eco-
Critical wear and abrasion protection
mercial Sand Blasting and Painting
nomical and easy to repair, there was
(CSBP) brought forward epoxy and
still room for improvement in higher
ceramic bathroom tile systems that
wear areas. The butted alumina tile
High-velocity flow of varying particle-
bonded directly to the steel surface,
sized potash slurry erodes vessels,
performed
with no welding required. The epoxy
chutes, and pipes. When an asset is
of choice was originally a high-end,
wear resistant but was vulnerable to
properly protected, erosive wear is
sand-filled epoxy with good chemi-
decreased and asset life increased.
cal resistance. The system provided
This allows your equipment to con-
longer service life; the issue was that
tribute to the bottom line with less
tile was square with straight grout
downtime and maintenance, creating
lines that became wear points. Once
cost savings.
the grout was worn, the tile could pop
From concrete to tile: Evolving wear protection The evolution of wear and abrasionresistant linings for the potash industry started in the late ‘70s. Prior to this, in the industry a wear lining
off, leaving exposed steel that would quickly wear. This system was the standard in potash until the ‘90s.
exceptionally
well
for
external forces, impact, expansion, and contraction. These forces could cause the tile to come loose and swirl in the tanks which would knock off remaining tile, plug pipes, pumps, and nozzles.
Providing solutions – not just protection In the mid 2000s, Potash Corp. came
Integrating experience and supplier partnerships for improved performance
to CSBP for a solution and they began testing and partnered with suppliers. Suppliers stepped up and partnered
was expanded steel mesh and hand-
In the ‘90s, improvements in formu-
with CSBP to formulate speciality ep-
troweled concrete. This system had a
lations of beaded wear compounds
oxies for tile adhesion and wear re-
JRL
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE CONSULTING SERVICE
• Workplace, office & home indoor air quality • Mold, bacteria & other biological contamination studies • Noise surveys & workers noise exposure studies • Workplace illumination, diesel fumes, silica, lead & asbestos • Fume hoods test & compressed breathing air tests • Fence line & environmental air contamination studies • Industrial hygiene risk assessments • Hearing conservation & workplace respiratory protection programs • Industrial hygiene, OHS research & OHS program management
jrl.consulting@shaw.ca 306-665-3289
Check our website for a complete list of services www.jrlindustrialhygiene.com / www.jrlindustrialhygiene.ca
Doing it right, being honest and excelling in service is a JRL tradition.
52 PotashWorks 2022
Your Organization’s Contracted Risk Manager
Your Organization’s Contracted Risk Manager
ADDING AND PROTECTING VALUE TO POTASH COMPANIES
Adding and protecting value to Potash Companies by providing expert Enterprise Risk Management BYAdding PROVIDING EXPERT ENTERPRISE RISKbyMANAGEMENT and protecting value to Potash Companies providing expert Enterprise Risk Management • Design and execute dynamic, adaptable and ongoing enterprise risk management programs • Design and management execute dynamic, adaptable ongoing enterprise risk management programs • Design and execute dynamic, adaptable and ongoing enterprise risk management • Foster risk-aware cultures with risk embedded asand a core element of decision making programs • Foster risk-aware cultures with risk management embedded as a core element of decision making Systematically identify, analyze,with evaluate and measure enterprise-wide risks • •Foster risk-aware cultures risk management embedded as a core element of decision making • Systematically evaluate and measure enterprise-wide • Assess, develop, employ and monitor identify, practicalanalyze, and cost effective risk treatment measures risks • Assess,identify, develop, employ andevaluate monitor practical and cost effective risk treatment measures Systematically analyze, and measure enterprise-wide risks • Impartially• assess, design and implement effective and cost-efficient risk-financing programs • Impartially assess, design and implement effective and cost-efficient risk-financing programs
• Assess, develop, employ and monitor practical and cost effective risk treatment measures • Impartially assess, design and implement effective and cost-efficient risk-financing programs
Phone: 1-289-337-8386
www.georesources-risk.com
www.georesources-risk.com www.georesources-risk.com Phone: 1-289-337-8386 Phone: 1-289-337-8386
GET MORE FROM YOUR BORE
Whoever coined the phrase less is more knew nothing about mining. This is an industry that demands more, and more is what Kennametal offers with carbide tools and wear protection solutions through our partner Bit Service. Kennametal’s unmatched expertise in materials engineering and manufacturing has led to the development of advanced carbide tools and wear protection solutions. They are designed to provide more strength, more wear resistance, and more penetration in any cutting condition. Even better: Kennametal’s cutting and wear protection solutions increase uptime of your bore-miners, continuous miners, roof bolters, feeder breakers, and processing equipment, so you get more productivity from your mine and improve your cost per ton.
Bit Service Locations Saskatoon 702 46th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7K 0W9 306-653-0988
Esterhazy Box 358 904 Gonczy Avenue Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0 306-745-2233
BIT SERVICE
GET MORE MINING DONE — FASTER AND BETTER — WITH KENNAMETAL CARBIDE TOOLS FROM BIT SERVICE.
kennametal.com ©2021 Kennametal Inc. I All rights reserved. I B-21-06501
sistance. Testing also started on alu-
Hundreds of thousands of square feet
equipment, chutes, pipes, and tanks.
mina hex tiles, instead of the standard
of CSBP’s tile system has now been
Commercial Sandblasting and Paint-
square. The hex shape reduced the is-
installed in Nutrien, Mosaic, and K+S
ing continues to lead the industry by
sues with wearing of the lateral grout
tanks, chutes, equipment, and piping
taking the time to listen, innovate,
lines, and the smaller pieces would
across Saskatchewan.
and test products and systems, in
not plug pipes, pumps, or nozzles if one did become dislodged.
As the potash industry has changed and grown, CSBP has been a key part
CSBP worked in partnership to devel-
of this evolution. Offering long-last-
op the alumina tile and beaded wear
ing solutions that reduce costs and
system that is now industry standard.
downtime while extending the life of
partnership with our customers and suppliers.
Continuing the evolution Commercial Sand Blasting and Painting has been pioneering solutions for a variety of industries and issues for over 50 years. By developing strong supplier relationships and taking the time to listen to customers, CSBP continues to engineer custom formulations, along with dedicated suppliers. These are just a few of the innovations we have pioneered with our partners: • Wear-resistant epoxy 100 per cent solid system; • Ceramic repair compound for bonding, grout linings, and overlay; • 90 per cent Alumina quarter-inch and half-inch hex tile varieties; • 100 per cent solids pipeline coatings for TransCanada pipelines in the early ‘90s; • 100 per cent solids plural tank linings systems for Enbridge in the late ‘90s; • Cement-sprayed ceramic-insulating coating and sound-dampening systems for potash mining; • Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) repair for rebuilding of tanks, ducting, and stacks. Learn more about how Commercial
Sand
Blasting
and
Painting
can help extend the life of your assets. Visit us at www.csbp.com, call us at 306-931-3344, or email info@cspb.ca today. s
54 PotashWorks 2022
November Full Page Layout.indd 1
2020-10-29 8:28:33 AM
We need mining. Mining needs you. Stemming from the national strategy, MiHR recently launched a new career awareness campaign: We Need Mining, Mining Needs You.
BY ALEX PARSONS, MIHR
To build a safer, greener and more connected world, we need mining. And mining needs you.
2. Transforming Perceptions – Transform youth perceptions of the mining sector and mining sector careers.
The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR)
3. Reaching Younger Students – Integrate mining sec-
launched the National Youth Mining Career Awareness
tor and mining career awareness into public education
Strategy 2021-2026: Transformation, Innovation and Diver-
curricula and classrooms at the elementary, intermedi-
sity following a two-year study on the context, challenges, and solutions for attracting youth to the industry. The Na-
ate, and secondary levels.
tional Strategy includes engaging with youth, building ca-
4. Building Alliances Between Industry and Education –
reer awareness among young job seekers, and producing
Foster innovative industry and post-secondary educa-
high-quality research to assist with evidence-based pro-
tion partnerships to attract and prepare youth for ca-
gram development.
reers in the mining sector.
“With growth in the sector, looming retirements, and an
5. Promoting Diversity in the Workforce – Diversify the
already tight labour market, the industry will be challenged
mining workforce by engaging with youth from under-
to attract and develop an anticipated need of over 100,000
represented groups.
new workers over the next decade,” said Ryan Montpellier, MiHR’s executive director. “Significant effort is required to
Stemming
from
the
national
strategy,
MiHR
re-
raise awareness of mining careers amongst youth and oth-
cently launched a new career awareness campaign:
er under-represented groups to secure the labour supply
We Need Mining, Mining Needs You. Prominent on
required to meet industry demand given forecasted labour
www.MiningNeedsYou.ca and MiHR’s social media plat-
shortages. In support of the federal government’s Canadi-
forms, the campaign features several useful resources
an Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), the national strategy
and tools highlighting mining as an innovative, challeng-
aims to attract and develop highly qualified personnel to
ing, and rewarding career choice.
the mining industry.” To realize its goals, the national strategy operates based on five key directions – requiring collaboration among industry stakeholders:
The website showcases some of the green technology, medical tools, and entertainment devices that depend on minerals and metals. It explores the reality of modern mining and how its use of innovation, approach to envi-
1. Increasing Youth Engagement – Engage youth and key
ronmental sustainability, enhanced safety measures, and
stakeholders in the conception and implementation of
diversity in the workforce make the industry an increas-
mining career awareness initiatives.
ingly dynamic sector. There is also a general knowledge
56 PotashWorks 2022
The mining industry needed a better personnel carrier. CMI professionals came up with a tailored solution! CMI-EV 1700 Battery Powered Mancarrier
• 48 Volt Lithium Ion Battery System A/C Drive Motor • On-Board Multi-Voltage Charging System (110V-230V) • Zero Maintenance Self-Protecting Battery Management System • 5 Year Battery Warranty (3 Year Unlimited Replacement)
CMI-EV 1700
• Regenerative Braking System + Opportunity Charging
Battery Powered Mancarrier • Mine Proven Chassis & Drive Train • 48 Volt Lithium Ion Battery System A/C Drive Motor • Certified Modular R.O.P.S. System • On-Board Multi-Voltage Charging System (110V-230V) • 100% Electrical Disconnect with Master Switch • Zero Maintenance Self-Protecting Battery Management System • Additional Safety Options Available Upon Request • 5 Year Battery Warranty (3 Year Unlimited Replacement) • Customized drive profile to meet customers • Regenerative Braking System + Opportunity Charging unique requirements • Mine Proven Chassis & Drive Train • Certified Modular R.O.P.S. System • 100% Electrical Disconnect with Master Switch • Additional Safety Options Available Upon Request • Customized drive profile to meet customers unique requirements
The mining industry needed a better personnel carrier. CMI professionals came up with a tailored solution! Our expertise, years of experience and processes
CMI designs, builds, and integrates give us unique perspective of our customers’ Oura expertise, years of experience and processes CMI designs, builds,solutions and integrates mining and industrial that requirements. give us a unique perspective of our customers’ tailored solutions by asking the right requirements. mining and industrial solutions can maximize the productivity and that CMI delivers questions and understanding theby individual needs delivers tailored solutions asking the right can maximize thecompany. productivity and of ourCMI profitability of your customers. questions and understanding the individual needs
profitability of your company.
+ innovation TEL | (306) 975 975 - 1944- 1944 TEL | (306) web | cmisk.ca web | cmisk.ca
innovation ++performance + performance
of our customers.
+ integrity + integrity + expertise + expertise
quiz providing insight into the common misconceptions
ment in mining-related engineering programs contracted
about mining and an interactive job pathway tool, which
by over 25 per cent in Canada from 2015 to 2019. Addi-
allows users to discover different entry-level occupations
tionally, it shows youth are less likely to choose mining as
divided by category and see where these careers may
a career – the minerals and metals sector ranked as the
lead. A suite of career profiles that provide in-depth infor-
least desired sector in a 2020 survey of 3,000 Canadians
mation about common mining positions are linked to the
aged 15 to 30. Along with increased career awareness, the
pathway and can also be viewed separately.
mining sector is also in dire need of young workers.
Canada’s mining industry needs to attract more workers
To help remedy this, MiHR’s Gearing Up wage subsidy
to fill growing and vacant occupations. Younger students
program has helped over 1,200 Canadian post-secondary
approaching or graduating from post-secondary school
students gain mining experience since 2018. Funded in
are prime candidates, as their tech-savviness, ambition,
part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Place-
and variety of skills and qualifications fit well into the min-
ment Program, Gearing Up offers a wage subsidy up to
ing sector. Many young workers also have skills in other
$7,500 to employers who create work placements.
industries that are highly transferrable to mining. With over 120 occupations available, there is a place in mining for everyone.
MiHR also relaunched its Green Jobs program in summer 2021 in support of the national strategy. Another wage subsidy program – funded by the Government of Canada’s
According to MiHR’s Mining Year in Review: National Out-
Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs
look 2021 report, there is an anticipated drought in min-
enables mining companies to hire job-ready youth who
ing-related engineering. Mining, geological, and material
gain work experience in the sector through paid place-
and metallurgical engineering are the three most relevant
ments or training opportunities that focus on clean tech-
post-secondary engineering programs to the mining in-
nology and innovation. Participating employers are com-
dustry, yet they experienced the lowest undergraduate
pensated 80 per cent of each intern’s compensation to a
enrolment among all engineering programs and enrol-
maximum of $25,000 for job-ready youth and $32,000 for youth furthest from employment (Indigenous youth, youth in northern regions, rural and remote communities, and youth with disabilities). Its current objective is to provide 25 placements by March 31, 2022. MiHR is also developing a career ambassador program to help connect industry speakers with classrooms and youth community groups across the country, as well as mining career curriculum that can be used by teachers to help dispel myths and portray the modern mining industry. “By choosing a career in mining, youth can help Canada become the world’s leading mining nation – setting a global example for environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and technological innovation,” said Montpellier. “Through implementation of the new national strategy, youth in Canada will become more aware that mining is essential to our way of life today and to the world we want to create tomorrow; Gearing Up and Green Jobs helps them find their way in from the ground up.” Industry stakeholders are urged to collaborate on national strategy objectives and take advantage of the wage subsidy programs. Together, we will build an inclusive, skilled, and sustainable Canadian mining workforce that anticipates and adapts to volatility and innovation. s
58 PotashWorks 2022
2022 PotashWorks 59
The powerful partnership that won’t let you down A snapshot of the WEG Motors production line.
You’ve got places to go and people to
Electro-Mechanical and WEG Motors
nership that could deliver the right
see. You get in your truck, start it up,
Canada have teamed up to deliver
solutions and quality service to our
and drive to where you need to go.
high-end, customized electric motor
mining industry.”
You don’t often think about the guts
solutions – with unmatched mainte-
of the machine doing the work to get
nance and service – for some of the
you there when it’s all working like it
biggest underground mining applica-
should. But when that truck doesn’t
tions in western Canada.
start, it’s a problem, and you’re stuck.
As a major global distributor of electric motors, WEG has built a reputation
of
continuously
improving
efficiency and innovation in the mar-
“When it comes to quality, reliability,
ketplace. And for Saskatchewan’s
It’s really not too different in the
and customization – all the things you
potash industry, which has seen its
world of potash mining. When a criti-
want in electric motors – WEG stands
fair share of change, evolution, and
cal component like an electric motor
out above the rest,” says Marc Taillon,
new projects coming online, that
fails on a key piece of machinery, in
CEO of Precision Electro Mechanical.
couldn’t be a better fit.
“Before I got into the electric motor
“We’re pleased to see WEG motors
repair business, I worked at a pot-
growing to become one of the most
ash mine for 17 years. I saw the mo-
recognized names behind electric
tors that came in, and the motors
motor solutions in Saskatchewan’s
Fortunately, there’s a powerful part-
that came out. I saw what lasted, and
potash industry,” adds David Was-
nership that’s been forged over 18
what didn’t. What saved us money,
syng, vice-president of VJ Pamen-
years to tackle that issue in the min-
and what cost us in the long run. And
sky Canada Inc./WEG Canada. “But
ing industry. Saskatoon’s Precision
most of all, I knew the value of a part-
we’re just as pleased to be working
that moment, it means you’re stuck. What can follow after is expensive downtime, loss of production, and general frustration.
60 PotashWorks 2022
Left: Precision Electro-Mechanical in Saskatoon. Above: Another Precision potash mine delivery.
it to how they would look after their truck. A good mechanic will take care of you, treat you fairly, and make sure you get the right solutions that keeps
“ When it comes to quality, reliability, and customization – all the things you want in electric motors – WEG stands out above the rest.”
your truck on the road for a long time. A bad mechanic will do none of those things. Which one would you pick?” says Taillon. “We continuously strive to be that ‘good mechanic’ for
with a local partner like Precision
is installed. For Taillon, the value of
electric motors in the mining indus-
Electro Mechanical to make that hap-
quality, service, and predictive main-
try. Because when you stick to your
pen. It couldn’t have happened with-
tenance from a dependable local
values and put your customers first,
out a partnership like this.”
partner can’t be overstated, espe-
you can’t go wrong.”
Through this teamwork, Precision Electro Mechanical and WEG have
cially when things don’t go according to plan.
Robust, tailor-made solutions with WEG electric motors, with the local
jointly deployed thousands of cus-
“When someone asks me why they
knowledge and quality service from
tomized motor solutions to sites
should care about Precision’s com-
Precision Electro Mechanical. Now
across the province. But the work
mitment to quality and service for
that’s a partnership that can’t be
doesn’t stop after a new solution
our customers, I ask them to compare
beat. s
SUITE 300, 6 ROSLYN ROAD, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA
www.delcommunications.com DEL Communications Inc.
YOUR KEY TO SUCCESS. WE OFFER OUTSTANDING PERSONAL SERVICE AND QUALITY IN THE AREAS OF:
• Creative Design
Build your winning team right here, right now
GROW with us
• Advertising sales • Trade Publications • Video Production & Editing • Qualified Sales & Editorial Team
SEARCH THE BENCH www.PeterLucasBench.com 2022 PotashWorks 61
Indemnities: Every word matters BY BRUCE HARRISON AND JOHN MULDER, MCKERCHER LLP
Bruce Harrison.
John Mulder.
Indemnity clauses are a common but rarely understood
Director’s Order, and as a result, Weyerhaeuser and Reso-
feature of commercial agreements. The most common
lute were required to pay for the remediation in the Order.
form of indemnity is an obligation by one party (the “indemnifier”) to reimburse another party for losses or damages caused by the indemnifier. This form of indemnity is commonly included in an agreement in anticipation of a contractor causing an accident on a construction site or if a purchaser of property was to subsequently discover that the property is contaminated. In the context of contaminated sites, parties will often focus significant attention on the indemnity clauses to ensure that the purchaser is protected for any future discovery and cleanup. A decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Resolute FP Canada Inc. v. Ontario (Attorney General) (“Resolute”) released just prior to the pandemic illustrates how important this wording can be to protecting a party’s interests. The Supreme Court’s decision in Resolute dealt with a comprehensive indemnity provided to Great Lakes Forest Products Limited (“GLFP”) by the Province of Ontario in the early 1980s. This indemnity was provided by the Province to GLFP in order to facilitate their purchase of a bankrupt pulp and paper mill that had known environmental issues regarding mercury-contaminated waste, including contamination of the drinking water for a nearby First Nation. As part of the purchase, GLFP agreed to invest $200 million to upgrade the facility and isolate part of the mill site to treat the contaminated waste over the ensuing years. GLFP was eventually acquired by Resolute (under its previous corporate name), which operated the facility until selling to Weyerhaeuser in 1998. Weyerhaeuser did not want the waste disposal site, so it immediately leased the waste
In reaching this conclusion, the Supreme Court determined that the indemnity was limited to protecting against proceedings arising from the previous discharge of mercury or the continued presence of mercury in the related ecosystems, but did not offer protection from proceedings arising from mercury in the waste disposal site itself. Furthermore, the Supreme Court examined the context of the discussions when the indemnity was formed and took a very narrow interpretation of the wording to make the determination that the indemnity was only to apply to third-party claims from the nearby First Nation and not direct claims such as that made by the MOE. Although the indemnity utilized appears on its face to be robust and comprehensive, this decision illustrates the need to be absolutely clear on the types of claims that an indemnity is designed to address. Resolute certainly believed that it was covered for future claims when it agreed to invest $200 million into the facility, but this decision shows that contracting parties should take greater precautions to clarify the scope of an indemnity, including: • Thoroughly identify the parties to be indemnified. This should consider successor corporations and the ability to assign the benefit of the indemnity in a future sale of the business. • Explicitly identify the nature of claims to be covered. It is difficult to anticipate all eventualities, but the indemnity should clearly identify the most likely risks that the parties are aware of.
disposal site back to Resolute until it could be subdivided
• State the context for which the indemnity is being provid-
from the mill site and transferred to Resolute in August of
ed. In this case, Resolute argued that it would never have
2000. Approximately 10 years later, the Ontario Ministry of
invested in the facility had it realized that it could be ex-
Environment (“MOE”) issued a Director’s Order to Weyer-
posed to this future Order. Although this seems obvious,
haeuser and Resolute, which required repair work, monitor-
the Supreme Court cited the absence of any statement
ing, and financial assurance to be provided in regard to the
to this effect when interpreting the indemnity in favour of
waste disposal site.
the Province of Ontario.
Weyerhaeuser and Resolute both sought relief from the
This decision should serve as a cautionary tale for parties
Province of Ontario under the indemnity against the Direc-
to take extra care in drafting indemnity provisions for com-
tor’s Order. The Supreme Court, in considering the indem-
mercial agreements, particularly when dealing with an ob-
nity, ultimately found that the indemnity did not cover the
vious risk. s
62 PotashWorks 2022
MCKERCHER LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
Resourceful
McKercher LLP has a specialized team of lawyers and professional staff dedicated to providing advice to Saskatchewan’s natural & renewable resource sectors. Our Resources Advisory Team provides value-added business and legal services including specialized mining agreements, acquisitions & dispositions, financing, regulatory & environmental issues, First Nations & government relations, and litigation. With offices in both major cities in the province, we are strategically positioned to take advantage of all that Saskatchewan has to offer. We are proud of all that we have accomplished and consistently work towards serving our clients with innovation and integrity. With roots tracing back to 1926, we know our province and the intricacies of thriving in the business landscape of the prairies.
SASKATOON 374 Third Avenue South Saskatoon SK S7K 1M5 (306) 653-2000 F (306) 653-2669
REGINA 800 - 1801 Hamilton Street Regina, SK S4P 4B4 (306) 565-6500 F (306) 565-6565
mckercher.ca
A pathway to creating community-informed decisions
BY KATIE SUEK, HUMAN ENVIRONMENT SPECIALIST, CANADA NORTH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Selecting the right environmental, social, and governance
Ongoing identification, evaluation, and management of
(ESG) criteria for your company or operation is important
social and environmental impacts (both positive and neg-
when it comes to setting and advancing your sustainability
ative) through meaningful engagement with communities
goals and meeting the expectations of your stakeholders,
(including stakeholders, rights holders, and communities
shareholders, employees, and communities of interest. A
of interest) are important aspects of any ESG approach
potash mine that becomes operational in a community
and are often listed as requirements of sustainability stan-
soon emerges as a community fixture, a primary source
dards and certification. Decision-making processes that
of employment and benefits, and in many ways, a part of a
are community-informed often result in stronger, more
community’s sense of identity. When engaging in discus-
sustainable decisions. However, little guidance is available
sions with community members from the potash belt over
on how to include community input in a decision-making
the years, it was not uncommon for one to hear phrases like, “I come from a mining town”, “my family is a mining family”, or “when I graduate, I am going to school to get
process and engage in a way that is considered welcoming, safe, inclusive, and meaningful to participants.
my tickets so I can work at the mine”. With this pride and
Designing, facilitating, and reporting back on engage-
reliance for the potash industry comes great responsibil-
ment in a way where participants feel safe sharing in-
ity for potash producers to ensure that the design of ESG
put, where participants understand how their input will
targets, measures, and reporting efforts are community-
be used, and where they feel confident that their input
informed and validated.
impacted the decision-making process is a bit of an art
64 PotashWorks 2022
form. Designing engagement well takes a combination of training, experience, intuition, and consideration of input received through multiple ways of knowing. An effective and thoughtful engagement plan should focus on finding ways to reach underrepresented or disproportionately impacted groups and should be designed with input from communities to ensure that the engagement activities selected will work well and meet the expectations of the people involved. At Canada North Environmental Services (CanNorth), our Community Division comprises a team of social scientists with over a decade of experience, specializing in social impact assessment and management planning, land use and community capacity studies, environmental assessment, and participant-focused stakeholder and rights holder engagement design, facilitation, evaluation, and report-
Navigating the ever-changing and evolving landscape of
ing. We design community-based studies and engage-
engagement best practices, regulatory requirements, and
ment plans in a way that accounts for, and holds space
community expectations can be challenging and time con-
for, information received through western science, local
suming. The pathway to creating or enhancing communi-
knowledge, and Indigenous knowledge, and we regularly
ty-informed decision making is as unique as the clients
hire and train local community members (or community
and communities we work with. Do not hesitate to con-
liaisons) to support or lead engagement activities and re-
tact CanNorth for support to advance your engagement
search programs in the communities where they live.
goals. s
CanNorth
Canada North Environmental Services Limited Partnership 211 Wheeler Street, Saskatoon, SK S7P 0A4 T: (306) 652-4432 • F:(306) 652-4431 E: info@cannorth.com • www.cannorth.com
An aboriginal-owned consulting firm
providing cost-effective professional environmental services in: • Environmental Impact Assessment
• Hydrology
• Project Permitting and Approvals
• Wildlife, Vegetation, and Soil Assessments
• Environmental Baseline Studies • Construction Monitoring
• Habitat Restoration and Compensation Planning
• Aquatic and Fish Studies • Aquatic Toxicology
• Water Quality Investigations
• Species-at-Risk Surveys
• Mapping Services
• Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessments
• Heritage Resources Impact Assessments • Specialty Socio-Economic Services
Specializing in the mining industry 2022 PotashWorks 65
Correct testing results in more opportunities for your operation
Steve Olsberg (pictured) is a senior-level engineering technician who started working in the RESPEC lab in 1979.
RESPEC can analyze behaviors of potash, salt, non-salt, and other materials.
RESPEC has a rock-solid reputation for helping clients in-
and test samples. It designs groundbreaking solutions and
crease profitability through its Rock Mechanics program.
develops and modifies equipment to cater to clients. From
Whether a mine is in development or operations, taking
advanced core analysis and sophisticated sample prepara-
and testing core samples reveals how the rock is perform-
tion to evaluating strength, creep, thermal properties, po-
ing and where more ore could be extracted. RESPEC’s ma-
rosity, and ultra-low permeability, RESPEC does it all.
terials lab, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, has operated since the 1970s and pioneered technologies within the field of rock mechanics. Companies are hard-pressed to find a lab that outperforms RESPEC.
RESPEC developed tests too, such as the constant mean stress test. It evaluates when salt will dilate. Increasing pore space weakens the salt, which causes its damage. Based on when the salt shows signs of damage, our experts can
Over time, RESPEC’s lab has grown while maintaining three
predict the load-bearing capacity of pillars. For clients,
aspects: approach, staff, and flexibility. Steve Olsberg, a se-
those results translate into opportunities to enhance overly
nior-level engineering technician, started working in the lab
conservative mine designs.
in 1979. Friends who worked with RESPEC recommended him for the job, and he jumped at the chance. “What makes RESPEC the best is our size and that everyone in the lab can do all the tests,” says Olsberg. “So far, I haven’t seen a test a client needs that our lab can’t do or design.”
The Rock Mechanics program championed another advancement five years ago, thanks to supplemental funding from the South Dakota School of Mines: direct shear testing. RESPEC designed a machine that exposes a joint or fracture in a rock set. After the flaw is discovered, the machine applies a load to see how much force moves the
Many labs can conduct experiments, run milling machines,
seam. The measurement reveals the shear strength in bed-
and stabilize samples. RESPEC does more than just make
ding planes, contacts, and interfaces.
66 PotashWorks 2022
YOUR PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Design
Engineering
Manufacturing
Services
Maintenance
3317 30th Ave, Suite 202 Vernon, BC V1T 2C9 Phone: (205) 549-6710
1111 West Hastings St, Suite 910 Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3 Phone: (205) 549-6710
33 Kerr Crescent Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0 Phone: (205) 549-6710
State-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind equipment allows RESPEC to run advanced core analysis that can be found nowhere else in the world.
“There’s not another machine like it,” says Stuart Buchholz,
Vining likens the process to diagnosing medical conditions.
RESPEC’s materials testing and geology and field services
Every mine, like every patient, presents symptoms differ-
manager. “It goes to very high pressures.”
ently. The roof-fall susceptibility, load-bearing pillar capac-
The machine’s unique abilities allow RESPEC to obtain
ity, and long-term response of the mined excavation vary
shear data for commercial clients and high-end projects in
from place to place, depending on rock characteristics.
the nuclear waste arena.
Lab testing increases confidence in the mine design.
Buchholz steps in early to guide the core extraction pro-
RESPEC expertly balances field, lab, and modeling, but
cess. He assigns geologists to be on site and implement
what does this balance achieve for clients? They receive
the rigorous core handling procedures RESPEC developed
a comprehensive assessment of their overall mine, allow-
for potash, salt, non-salt, and other materials. The team
ing them to ensure safe conditions while increasing their
logs the recovered core, identifies intervals for testing, and
extraction ratio. RESPEC has earned the trust of clients
packages them to prevent it from breaking in transit. Re-
worldwide with actively mined evaporate deposits, and
ducing the core’s exposure to the environment increases the tests’ reliability and builds confidence in the results. Back in the materials lab, Buchholz and the technicians characterize the rock behaviour. Then, a team, led by Cody Vining, RESPEC’s manager of rock mechanics, uses the results to assess the mine behaviour. “Once we know how the rock responds, we can specify
they continue to seek out RESPEC’s Rock Mechanics program. The news of RESPEC’s successes and expertise in geological engineering services spreads, but Olsberg may know best. His 42-year tenure in RESPEC’s materials lab gives him insider knowledge.
a design unique to the clients’ geology,” Vining explains.
“We can do just about anything – potash, Mt. Rushmore
“We address issues ranging from short-term and local with
granite, salt from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, sand-
ground control to long-term and mine-wide for overall sta-
stone,” says Olsberg. “RESPEC’s not just a rock-mechanics
bility.” Every recommendation that RESPEC makes centres
production line. We’re individuals working together, along-
around safety, accessibility, and stability.
side our clients, to achieve ideal outcomes.” s
68 PotashWorks 2022
AMI SUPPLY
JAMIE YAGANISKI Main: 306-652-9878 Cell: 306-227-7414 Email: jyaganiski@amisupply.ca
• MATO Belt Fasteners • Belt Cutters and Clamps • Belt Trackers • Belt Cleaners • Safety Nets/Guards
For more than 25 years AMI SUPPLY has provided the highest quality conveyor belt fasteners, tools and service to the mining industry.
voith.com
Your easy on-the-go coupling guide TurboGuide Mobile Experience a smart and intuitive fluid coupling filling method with 24/7 access to all coupling information, directly from your smartphone.
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
Watch the tutorial
2022 PotashWorks 69
Driving home change HOW NRT’S TRAINING SCHOOL SERVES THE CHANGING TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY By Sarah Jensen Change. It is one of the few inevitabilities in life. Yet some-
sigh of relief. Northern Resource Trucking (NRT) had long
how we are never prepared for it.
required far more experience and training from its driv-
Take, for example, the shortage of professional truck drivers in Canada. We have known about this shortage for decades as the median age of drivers has been creeping
ers than the previous industry standards, and this made it harder to compete with companies that were satisfied with the bare minimum.
up each year with fewer and fewer young drivers entering
Even so, NRT believed so strongly in stringent driver train-
the field to take their place. Driver shortage is the single
ing that 15 years ago they started their own training school
biggest challenge faced by the transportation industry in
based out of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. More than 500 stu-
North America.
dents have graduated from the program, many of them
This shortage seems to imply that there is a lack of qualified drivers in the workforce. However, studies have repeatedly proven that the problem actually lies in companies’ ability to retain drivers. The younger drivers who will ideally replace retirement age drivers have demonstrated that
northern residents who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to receive professional driver training. The seven-week training program offered by NRT’s Training Centre gives students 200 training hours, as compared to the new provincial requirement of 121.5 hours.
they place a higher value on work/life balance, preferring
After much consideration, Northern Resource Trucking
hourly or salaried positions to being paid by the mile, ben-
and their partners have come to the decision to relocate
efits programs, and flexible work schedules. In short, they
the school to Prince Albert in order to reduce the costs for
wish to be treated as the skilled professionals that they are.
students and open up opportunities to more First Nations
The transportation industry is one of the most integral in the country. Trucking companies and the industries that hire them are discovering that it pays to invest in the skills and safety of their drivers. Prioritizing the training, work
in the province. It will also give other companies the opportunity to hire the highly-trained graduates of the extended program or to outsource training of new hires to a proven leader in the field.
experience, and safety record of the drivers a company
Change is inevitable. Investing in skilled employees helps
employs may be more expensive initially, but it quickly
ease the growing pains of a changing industry. NRT is
pays for itself in reduced accidents and health and safety
proud of the role they play in keeping the trucking industry
violations, and—most importantly—in driver retention.
strong, safe, and always growing.
When the new Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT)
If you’d like to learn more about training opportunities at
requirements for truck drivers were introduced in 2019,
NRT’s Training Centre, please contact Randy Mihilewicz,
reputable trucking companies in Saskatchewan breathed a
NRT’s training division manager, at 306-922-2221. s
DEL Communications Inc. and you,
THE KEY TO SUCCESS. We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: CREATIVE DESIGN | ADVERTISING SALES TRADE PUBLICATIONS | QUALIFIED SALES & EDITORIAL TEAM
Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 Toll Free:1.866.831.4744 | Toll Free Fax: 1.866.711.5282 www.delcommunications.com
70 PotashWorks 2022
Partnership At Work The NRT fleet safely and professionally navigates equipment across a vast and challenging terrain; meeting the transportation needs of the industry giants. Hauling items such as: · Acid · Cement · Groceries · Construction materials · Lime · Explosives · Molten sulphur · Fertilizer · Mining machinery · Fuel · Propane · General freight
www.nrtlp.com Saskatoon Office P: 306-933-3010 F: 306-242-3156 nrtinquiry@nrtlp.com
NRT Training Center Prince Albert P: 306-922-2221 rmihilewicz@nrtlp.com
Fuel Division La Ronge P: 866-425-2345 dlee@nrtlp.com
Winnipeg Office P: 204-235-4013 C: 204-962-8440 dgravatt@nrtlp.com 2022 PotashWorks 71
Leading at the forefront AN IMPROVED REALITY THROUGH MODELING AND SIMULATION Potash mines are complex operations, with hundreds of
successfully employed DEM simulation in a variety of ap-
people, thousands of moving parts, and millions of tons of
plications found in Saskatchewan’s potash mines. Some ex-
potash produced annually. Digital technology continues
amples include:
to be a major area of growth in modern mining – assisting design, providing automation, and improving safety at every stage of the production cycle. Advanced modeling and simulations are slowly but surely being adopted in the mining industry due to the certainty and intelligence that they provide the end user to make informed decisions about
• Transfer chutes – flow simulation allows our design team to identify and remove flow choke points, ensure smooth transitions to reduce dust generation, and identify areas of high chute or belt wear. • Roll crushers – multiple iterations of a crusher’s feed
system additions and upgrades.
chute can quickly be evaluated using DEM to ensure the
At March, we continue to strengthen our skills in advanced
life, maximizing return on investment.
simulation techniques such as Discrete Element Method (DEM), a first-principles method for modeling the behaviour of granular materials. DEM uses a virtual material model consisting of discrete particles. During simulation, the resultant force, acceleration, velocity, and position of each particle are tracked through time as they interact
achievement of optimal crusher performance and service • Hopper flow – DEM is perfect for confirming target flow rates from hoppers and feeders, and it is also possible to extract forces on the geometry for structural analysis to ensure components are sized to handle the high storage capacities demanded of them.
with structures and other particles. When repeated for a
• Conveyors – analysis of conveyor loading chutes can help
large assembly of particles, this method can replicate the
to reduce belt wear, avoid uneven loading, and prevent
behaviour of materials such as soils, ores, powders, and
belt tracking problems, leading to less downtime and few-
bulk solids, providing a level insight and understanding not
er maintenance calls.
possible using traditional methods of analysis. Leveraging modern advances in parallel computing, it is possible to simulate systems consisting of tens of millions of particles, making DEM a practical tool for the analysis of many industrial-scale problems.
While DEM itself is a powerful tool, the most advanced industrial applications often require a multi-physics approach. Coupled simulations address this need, wherein information is exchanged between multiple simulation codes. For example, DEM can be coupled with Computational Flu-
For both greenfield and brownfield projects, DEM simula-
id Dynamics (CFD) to model processes which involve both
tion can provide a benefit to owners looking to increase ef-
fluids and solid particles (e.g., a fluid bed dryer), or with a
ficiency and reduce uncertainty regarding project success.
Multi-Body Dynamic (MBD) software if there is a complex
For applications involving flow or processing of granular
interaction between machine and material. Particle forces
materials, DEM simulation provides the ability to confirm
on geometry can also be exported for direct use in Finite
design performance targets and identify problems early
Element Analysis (FEA) to provide highly accurate load-
in the design cycle, avoiding costly troubleshooting and
ing conditions for structural analysis. Coupled simulations
post-install modifications. High-detail quantitative analysis
allow for even the most complex problems to be under-
allows for processes to be optimized for performance, ca-
stood. March has the capability to combine any of these
pacity, wear, and dust emissions, to name but a few. Simula-
technologies best suited for the application. Check out
tion can accelerate the development cycle by reducing the
this video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/
number of iterations, prototypes, and experiments to be
watch?v=L5TtvNsGS0g.
conducted. It is also a powerful visualization tool, making detailed information accessible to all stakeholders. Physics-based simulation, such as DEM, can provide incredible value to the design process for material handling systems in mining. The applications for simulation are extensive. March has
72 PotashWorks 2022
March Consulting Associates Inc. is a multi-discipline engineering company with the digital simulation tools, software, and expertise for any number of applications, from routine to challenges at the forefront of the industry. If you believe these tools could help improve the reality of your project, contact us today. s
EXEMPLIFYING EXCELLENCE IN
ENGINEERING We Are March March provides engineering, procurement, project, and construction management services to a variety of resource-based industrial and commercial enterprises. In addition, March and its employees have developed specialized expertise in feasibility studies and asset integrity in the heavy industrial sector.
Our Services Structural & Civil Mechanical Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical Project Engineering & Services Mining Studies/Projects
Contact us: 306-651-6330 marchconsulting.com
Join our team
marchconsulting.com/careers
Nouryon, a provider of diverse solutions for potash mining Nouryon is a global leader in specialty chemicals and es-
The crucial ingredient of a successful flotation is a selective
sential solutions. We manufacture mining chemicals, in-
collector that efficiently renders a mineral surface hydro-
cluding flotation collectors, depressants, and processing
phobic, making it susceptible to separation. Nouryon has
aids. Our products are active in the flotation of calcite,
developed several collectors designed for diverse potas-
phosphate, iron, silicate, graphite, sulfide ore, and potash.
sium-bearing minerals and conditions. Many of them are
Potash is a water-soluble salt mineral containing potassium compounds, almost always accompanied by sodium and magnesium chlorides1. Potassium is a crucial component of fertilizers for agriculture and can be applied as a single nutrient fertilizer, for example as Muriate of Potash, KCl (MOP) or Sulphate of Potash, K 2SO4 (SOP), or it can be part of multi-nutrient fertilizers such as Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK). MOP is the most used potash fertilizer, particularly for chloride-loving vegetables such as sugar beets and corn. It also helps to build disease resistance in plants because it is suitable for soils that are low in chloride. MOP is one of the most prevalent fertilizers in the potash family, with over 55 million tons consumed annually around the world2. Separation of potash into different components is challenging, considering that most are water soluble. One of the few methods known to tackle this challenge is through flotation and Nouryon leads this industry. Our solutions and experience gained through decades of service to global potash customers have established best practices. Each ore is unique and requires tailor-made solutions to boost performance and reduce costs. The range of Nouryon’s tailored products for potash flotation is presented in Table 1 on page 76.
Figure 1 - Performance of Armeen M/Armeen HT mixtures in sylvite flotation (dashed lines serve as a visual guide).
74 PotashWorks 2022
based on fatty amine technology, one of Nouryon’s core technologies. Our Armeen HT-97, Armeen M, and Amine blends are efficient collectors for the flotation of sylvite (potassium chloride) from sylvinite in the production of MOP. Armeen M can also be used as a booster in mixtures with Armeen HT-97, as depicted in Figure 1.
Clays/slimes removal Certain potash ores, in addition to typical salt minerals, contain clays/slimes that efficiently spoil the flotation of potash. The main reason behind this is the high charge and the high surface area of clays that efficiently deplete the collector concentration and prevent separation. There are different solutions to this problem: (i) mechanical desliming using hydro separators and cyclones, and (ii) physico-chemical separation such as slime flotation or using a depressant which blocks the clay/slime surfaces from interfering with the sylvite flotation. Nouryon considers physico-chemical separation as the preferred solution since mechanical desliming will cause losses of fine particles of potash. By using a selective reverse flotation of clay minerals, the total potash recovery can be improved. In slime flotation, the slime/clay particles are first flocculated using a polymer, then the collector adsorbs on the
Figure 2 – Laboratory scale potash flotation at Nouryon’s mining application laboratory.
ANSWERING MINING’S TOUGHEST QUESTIONS
Fletcher values what their customers say. Since 1937, Fletcher has been answering some of underground mining’s toughest questions. At Fletcher we provide an atmosphere for an open dialogue with customers to ensure their operations are reaching ® maximum efficiency. Is your operation facing obstacles that mass produced equipment isn’t addressing?
Contact Fletcher. Ask Questions. We’ll have Answers. 800.543.5431
402 HIGH STREET HUNTINGTON, WV
WWW.JHFLETCHER.COM
J.H. Fletcher & Co. cannot anticipate every mine hazard that may develop during use of these products. Follow your mine plan and/or roof control plan prior to use of the product. Proper use, maintenance and continued use of (OEM) original equipment parts will be essential for maximum operating results. 2020 J.H. Fletcher & Co. All Rights reserved.
surface of clay, making it floatable. Nouryon offers
Figure 3 – Optimized KCl recovery through CELECT® depressants.
several slime collectors – our non-ionic collectors, Ethomeen HT40 and Berol range, as well as the anionic Phospolan PE65, which have proven to be efficient in slime removal.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in potash flotation Another option to remove clays/slimes is the use of depressants that blind out the clay’s active surface and prevent the adsorption of sylvite collector. Nouryon is a global manufacturer of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a bio-based anionic polymer known as an efficient depressant in many mining industries, including potash. Our CMC product line, CELECT® and FINNFIX®, includes grades designed for the depression and blinding of slimes in potash flotation.
Potash coating
Optimizing potash flotation processes with our
After a successful separation, high-quality potash concen-
FINNFIX® and CELECT® depressants requires a wholistic approach to achieve the maximum potash recovery grade profile. With the help of tailored products, application in an optimal way maximizes potash recovery as depicted in Figure 3.
Table 1 - Nouryon’s product range for potash ores.
trate is prepared for storage and transportation. It is well known that salts adsorb water easily, and as a result, becomes lumpy and sticky. To prevent this, a mineral coating can be applied. Nouryon products, including Armeen HT97, Armeen T, Armeen O, Armeen M, and Armoflo AC59P, are anticaking agents based on fatty amine technology. Use of these products helps preserve the concentrate in its desired form until it reaches its destination. Potash mining is an important step of the value chain that delivers essential ingredients to the production of fertilizers. Nouryon offers products that can boost the performance at nearly every step between potash ore and high-quality potash concentrate. “We partner with our customers to deliver essential solutions to our customers for a sustainable future,” says Dr. Odair Lima, global strategic marketing manager for mining at Nouryon.
References 1 Garrett, Donald E. “Potash: deposits,
processing, properties and uses.” Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. 2 Pistilli, M. ” Potash Fertilizers: What’s the
Difference Between SOP and MOP?” Investing News Network, https:// investingnews.com/daily/resourceinvesting/agriculture-investing/potashinvesting/types-of-potash-sop-mop/. Accessed: 2020-12-08. s
76 PotashWorks 2022
Richwood Impact Saddles are the original belt support system with full curved trough design. ®
Efficient load zones depend on properly designed, reliable support. The continuous impact bed formed by the Impact Saddle® provides unequaled protection against belt punctures, rip and tears. This foundational component provides the ideal base for safe and contained load zones. What would it mean for your productivity if worry-free load zones were a part of your belt line? Call today +1 (304) 525-5436. Rely on
RICHWOOD IMPACT SADDLES®
Protect your Investments from Load Zone Impact Damage.
www.richwood.com Potash 1/2 pg 2021 saddles.indd 1
3/24/21 2:07 PM
2022 PotashWorks 77
Derrick celebrates 60 years in potash/phosphate industry with new installation in Africa Derrick’s proposal formed a compelling value, along with attractive payback time. Kropz, an emerging phosphate rock
fied the Kropz flowsheet, it also pro-
Four SuperStacks were delivered to
producer in South Africa, is well po-
vided a safe and friendly environment
Kropz in January 2021 and have been
sitioned to contribute to the global
to help Kropz improve carbon emis-
installed in a separate building dedi-
supply of quality phosphate rock. The
sion goals and produce higher-quality
cated to screens. They will be ready
company’s most developed asset is
fertilizer feedstock. The Derrick solu-
for the plant re-commissioning in Q4
the Elandsfontein project on the west
tion offered a small number of higher-
of 2021.
coast of South Africa, approximately
capacity SuperStacks than the com-
95 kilometres northwest of Cape
In describing the benefits of the Su-
petition, which proposed more than
perStacks, Michelle Lawrence, COO
double the number of units. With the
at Kropz says, “The four SuperStacks
Derrick proposal, Kropz saved millions
offer an elegant and cost-optimised
of dollars in infrastructure costs. They
solution to increasing the throughput
also achieved much lower CAPEX, as
of the milling circuit, and the top size
pumps and hydrosizer were no longer
presentation to the flotation circuit.
required, and minimal OPEX. Overall,
We look forward to re-commission-
Town. Kropz turned to Derrick for assistance when its facilities were facing operational challenges and they needed to improve the efficiency in the milling circuit. The Derrick solution not only simpli-
Four SuperStacks installed at Kropz, South Africa.
78 PotashWorks 2022
Dedicated standalone SuperStack building.
ing the plant, and working together with Derrick Africa to maximize overall efficiencies.” The SuperStack has demonstrated several safety and maintenance, environmental, and societal benefits, including:
Safety and Maintenance • Totally enclosed, oil-lubricated vibratory motors • Lightweight, easy-to-install screen panels • Front-to-back screen panel tensioning reduces changing time to less than one minute per panel • Exceptionally low maintenance requirements
Environmental • Low, 10HP power consumption • Sacrificial, replaceable anodes help prevent corrosion on the live frames in the harsh potash environment • Stainless-steel support structure and porcelain-coated screen frame construction for long-term durability • Reduced infrastructure
Societal • Maximum efficiency in recovery and improved grade to ultimately increase crop yields
The future of SuperStack in the potash/phosphate industry Through successful installations, the SuperStack is demonstrating efficiency and cost savings in the recovery of potash and phosphate. Successful installations are expected to rise as its reputation expands, making it an important element in serving the everexpanding need for these vital agricultural products throughout the world. s
120 years of deep foundations 120 years expertise of deep
VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER CALGARY
Piling foundations expertise
CALGARY EDMONTON
Shoring
Piling
HAMILTON EDMONTON
Cut-Off Walls
Shoring
Performance Testing
Cut-Off Walls Design Build Solutions
Performance Testing Marine Construction
HAMILTON
Build on us os us
Design Build Solutions Marinewww.sb-canada.com Construction
Build on us os us
www.sb-canada.com www.sb-canada.com
2022 PotashWorks 79
Mine Supply Company gets mobile underground with Miller Technology With more than 25 years of experience under its belt,
Collette. “Their focus on customer service means they go
Miller Technology has become the world leader in manu-
above and beyond expectations.”
facturing customized underground mobile personnel and utility carriers. Working directly with clients to meet spe-
Innovation at its best
cific underground requirements, Miller Technology aims
With custom builds ranging in size and function, the com-
to help mines across Canada enhance workflows and im-
pany is also proud to offer several reliable base-line ma-
prove efficiency.
chines such as the Relay, an electric carrier that has zero
“Miller provides custom solutions to the unique problems faced by each individual mine site,” says Marc Collette, manager of sales and business development for Mine Supply Company. “Their equipment is world-class and easily handles the rugged environments our clients operate in.” Miller Technology manufactures personnel carriers, utility carriers, scissor lifts, man-baskets, and other pieces of equipment required by mining operations. The Canadian manufacturer maintains long-term relationships with clients so they can better anticipate needs, support safety initiatives, and help companies increase productivity.
emissions, zero noise, and causes no health hazards. Designed with contemporary mining processes in mind, the Relay can handle the harsh environments and duty cycles of underground work. It also features an industry-first hybrid charging system that allows for both off-board DC fast charging and on-board AC opportunity charging. Another featured model is the underground motor grader, which boasts a height of only 1.80 metres and an overall length without attachments of 7.40 metres, meaning it can be put to use in even the smallest mining environments. The BG 110-M reflects decades of Miller experience, resulting in a reliable instrument for mining mainte-
“Not only do they understand industry needs overall, Mill-
nance-of-way applications both above and below ground,
er takes the time to get to know and understand the spe-
especially in tight conditions. A battery electric option will
cific requirements of different sites and companies,” says
soon be available.
Miller Relay at their Sudbury manufacturing facility.
80 PotashWorks 2022
Miller Relay.
Radial Tool and Bit Solutions Proudly representing XCAL TOOLS through Jennmar Canada
306-653-1056 sales@minesupplyco.com
minesupplyco.com
Miller Grader: Miller’s underground motor grader at work.
Miller Technologies’ Sudbury-based manufacturing facility.
Engineered safety. Canadian-built. Proudly Canadian, Miller Technologies designs and man-
Mine Supply Company – On-demand, regional service
ufactures all equipment in a state-of-the-art facility in
Known for quality, long-term support services and de-
North Bay, Ontario. By managing every step of the man-
pendable parts supply, Mine Supply Company is Miller’s
ufacturing process, from research and development to
regional distributor, maintaining superior sales and ser-
welding to painting, the company ensures that every fin-
vice.
ished product that goes to the client is safe, durable, and ready to be put to work.
We have partnered with premium suppliers to bring you the latest products, innovations, and expertise. Whether you need belting, components, advice, or immediate service solutions, we’re here to help you whenever you call. When it comes to Potash mining, the high-demand environment leaves no room for error. At Belterra, we have spent years researching and understanding your needs and we appreciate the tough conditions you operate under. Our responsive, 24/7 service is here to keep you operational at all times. With Belterra you can count on: • Lower costs per ton • Your single source for unsurpassed product selection and availability • More material through-put • Reduced downtime or unplanned outages • Measurable health and safety improvements • More efficient use of your facility staff time Our core business: • Conveyor belting • Conveyor components & accessories • Transfer point solutions • Industrial hose & fittings • 24/7 conveyor service
REGINA
SASKATOON
157 Leonard Street N., Regina, SK S4N 5X5
302-50th Street E., Saskatoon, SK S7K 6X2
Fax: 306.546.2440
Fax: 306.244.2500
regina@belterra.ca Tel: 306.546.2400
saskatoon@belterra.ca Tel: 306.244.2400
www.belterra.ca
82 PotashWorks 2022
Miller Landcruisers headed to site.
“Miller’s custom equipment is high-quality, tested, and safe,” says Collette. “Another really valuable Miller distinction is that these machines are produced right here in Canada. This has become an important advantage in recent years as our industry has wrestled with significant supply chain disruptions. And it’s great to know we can always depend on Miller for expert advice on parts replacement and maintenance.” With more than a century of combined operations, sales, and procurement experience, Mine Supply Company’s team stays connected with manufacturers and the end-users at site, working with clients and suppliers to solve problems and improve operations. To find out more about Mine Supply Company’s premium product lines, connect with the team at sales@minesupplyco.com, or call 306-653-1056. s
PROCESS COMBUSTION SYSTEMS INC. COMBUSTION
ENGINEERING | INTEGRATION | CONTROLS | COMPLIANCE
Process Combustion Systems Inc. is an industrial combustion solutions and integration company. We strive to be an industry leader, by leveraging our industrial experience, combustion expertise and our partnerships with leading OEMs and technology providers. With a long history of successful projects and customer service, our solutions span a wide range of industries that include potash, mining and metals, energy, chemicals, manufacturing, steam generation among others. Our project installations can be found globally.
120-270 Exploration Ave. SE Calgary, AB T3S 0C3 Mohammad Hafeez, P.Eng, Sales Manager sales@processcombustion.com
www.processcombustion.com
1. Process Combustion Systems Inc. Head Office 2. SIL 2 BMS and CCS assembly 3. First Ultra-Low NOx Potash Dryer in Canada 4. Boiler Burner Startup 5. Rotary Kiln Dryer System, Southern USA 6. Superheater Retrofit with Lean Premix LE Burner
403-250-1075
2022 PotashWorks 83
Gauging the health of the potash industry supply chain Amid systemic global disruption, the way of doing business changes immediately and new trends rapidly follow. Decisions intended to limit the Coronavirus, mounting labour and material costs, and shortages introduce unique challenges in which companies encounter longer lead times, price increases, parts and material shortages, higher logistics expenses and delays, travel restrictions, as well as less workers occupying critical production roles. Comparatively, many companies closed some operations temporarily or adopted work-from-home policies, either out of necessity to heed government laws or guidelines, or out of concern for their employees’ health. Fortunately, companies adapt to burgeoning tools, like shared video technology, in order to remotely accomplish critical jobs. The potash industry appears a microcosm of worldwide supply challenges. It heavily relies upon global commerce to thrive. A close-knit industry, catalyzed by high capital budgets and noteworthy technical expertise, leads to further supply chain strain. Producers occupy areas with high concentrations of mineral reserves, while a few global suppliers, scattered throughout, support them. This dynamic illumines areas of strength and weakness in each company and the entire supply chain. The once-relied-upon modus operandi of doing business requires finetuning. A strong company maintains a pulse on its supply chain and customers, demonstrating resiliency and continuing to provide value. This foresight entails a complete focus on source to sale, identifying challenges that may impact a customer. For example, lead times recently extend from twenty-some weeks to upper-thirty-week lead times for existing critical parts orders, in addition to surcharges imposed from volatile material prices. Price increases are unavoidable, as well as material delays; however, proactive
84 PotashWorks 2022
decision-making softens these issues over time. Many pro-
workers to build or assemble these parts or machines, or
ducers resolve to buy volumes of materials, such as oil or
delays in shipping parts or at triple the cost. Conversely,
other high-wear items.
potash producers often lack experienced workers or spare
The key to overcome supply challenges is partnership with trusted OEM businesses, which provide quality and clear communication. Local third-party job shops try to undercut prices to gain business, but do not carry OEM warranty and quality. Although job shops seem closer, global material shortages impact them more. OEMs have long-standing, stable relationships with suppliers, leading to better solutions, such as expediting, in times of need.
parts to handle critical maintenance. Some parts, once readily available, now require eight to 10 weeks of lead time, often at double or triple the price. Managing spare parts inventory is critical to avoid unplanned downtime. Industry leaders realize that the best plan to address these challenges is to get a little closer to each other with oldfashioned teamwork. Likewise, communicating concerns ahead of time, transparency, strategic planning, creative offerings, such as bulk discounted orders, and integrating
Difficulties spurred by the recent supply crunch impacts
tools lessen the impact of supply concerns. OEM partner-
equipment and component providers, scrambling to find
ships provide an essential remedy to pre-eminent supply
enough parts or materials to fulfill orders, lacking skilled
challenges. s
2022 PotashWorks 85
CT-aided laboratory evaluation of potash solution mining BY PENG LUO AND PETRO NAKUTNYY, SASKATCHEWAN RESEARCH COUNCIL
Figure 1: Cross-sectional 2D images of scanned 3.8 com-diameter potash core, before (left) and after (right) immersing into water for 10 minutes. Note the dark grey grains are halite (sodium chloride), light grey minerals are sylvite (potassium chloride), and dark seams are fractures/voids. Image courtesy of Saskatchewan Research Council.
Figure 2: Volume rendering of potash plug, before (left) and after (right) water immersion. Image courtesy of Saskatchewan Research Council.
Saskatchewan produces over 30 per cent of the world’s
portant parameters for the engineering design of the solu-
potash. Potash is extracted from subsurface deposits at
tion mining process, laboratory-scale brine injection tests
least 1,000 metres deep with either conventional mining
on representative potash cores can be conducted together
or solution mining techniques. Solution mining is generally
with other core characterization and water chemistry anal-
favourable when ore is deeper than 1,000 metres under-
ysis techniques. Design of such experimental studies can
ground and where the depth, rock solubility, mineralogy,
be complex as many factors need to be considered – such
and sedimentary structures make conventional mining
as preservation and preparation of the mineral samples,
riskier and less economic. This process involves dissolving
stress conditions, scaling of the flow rate and residence
water-soluble potash ores with a heated brine solution. The
time, and data collection throughout the test duration.
dissolved salts are then pumped out of the cavern to the surface, where the water is evaporated, and the remaining minerals are recovered.
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has worked with oil industry clients to understand in-situ recovery processes in the deep petroleum reservoirs for over 30 years. To re-
Solution mining has advantages, however there are tech-
create the temperature and pressure conditions that ex-
nical challenges associated with the extraction process.
ist in the underground deposits, special equipment is used
While both conventional and solution mining required de-
that can study in-situ flow, dissolution, and precipitation
tailed knowledge of the formation, only conventional min-
while keeping the rock sample under realistic overburden
ing has direct access to the underground potash bed to
pressure conditions. Cores about two to 10 centimetres in
help understand the geology. Relying on selective brine
diameter wide are placed in special sleeves and then into a
dissolution, solution mining’s effectiveness is largely deter-
pressurized vessel. Once the model has been prepared, an
mined by mineral solubility and saturation rates resulting
in-situ leaching process can be studied, as seen in Figures 1
from factors such as potash bed mineralogy, heated brine–
and 2. This data can be used to build analytical and numeri-
potash geochemistry, and thermodynamics. To acquire im-
cal models of the process.
86 PotashWorks 2022
SRC can monitor the dissolution process using a high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT). For the mining industry, the scanned 3D imagery data can show internal microscopic features of core samples such as grain size and shape, pore size and network, lithology and mineralogy, and in-situ fluids distribution. This makes CT scanning a perfect non-destructive technique (NDT) for tackling potash solution mining tests. SRC’s advanced industrial CT scanner is equipped with both 450 kV mini-tube and 225 kV micro-tube. These are a lot more powerful compared to a typical medical CT scanner (typically less than 100 kV). The high-energy 450 kV mini-tube is used to scan high-density or thick material such as the high-pressure coreholder or full-sized core samples. The 225 kV micro-tube can achieve a high resolution that allows for the identification of small samples such as mineral grains, pore space, and fluid phases. A main advantage of a CT scanner is the non-destructive testing nature. It allows investigation of the core interior of a core without damaging the sample. For a brine injection test in potash core, CT scanning makes it possible to iden-
understanding of these mechanisms can help mining operations predict recovery and optimize flow patterns to enhance recoveries.
tify brine flow channels in the pore space and where and
For more information on SRC’s potash services, go to
how quickly the mineral phases are dissolved. Improved
www.src.sk.ca. s
KELLY PANTELUK CONSTRUCTION LTD.
Building Today for Tomorrow Highways | Interchanges | Roads | Mining | Tailings | Rail | Site Grading | Water Control Structures
www.kpcldirtmovers.com 306.634.2166 2022 PotashWorks 87
Optimizing compensation beyond “show me the money” BY ANDREA HANSEN, B.COMM, CFP, GBA, PRESIDENT AND BENEFITS ADVISOR AT SUTTON BENEFITS & PENSION Total rewards comprise many com-
Figure: Sutton Employee Engagement Wheel TM
payroll also means an increase in CPP,
ponents beyond cash compensation.
EI, vacation pay, and WCB costs. For
Employers have conscious decisions
the employee, it means receiving only
to make. Are you going to focus on
about a two per cent increase in com-
base salary (the money) or total re-
pensation after factoring in what they
wards when trying to attract and re-
pay toward CPP, EI, and income tax.
tain employees?
Here are three tax-efficient forms of
Employees today are not thinking just
compensation that will bring more bal-
about the money when choosing an
ance to your total rewards package if
employer. They’re prioritizing what
it’s been tilted toward base salary.
they value in life and looking for work-
1) Traditional group benefits plans
places that support work-life balance and a healthier lifestyle. Here’s one model: the Sutton Employee Engage-
From my experience, one aspect of
ment Wheel™ illustrates nine com-
rewards that’s often overlooked is
ponents of total rewards, balancing
the tax-efficiency of different forms
both extrinsic (monetary) and intrin-
of compensation. Consider the tax
sic (non-monetary) rewards. You’ll
consequences of a three per cent
notice that compensation is only one
merit increase in salary. For the em-
component.
ployer, a three per cent increase in
innovative. practical. collaborative. Innovative and collaborative people providing practical legal advice and solutions. DEREK HOFFMAN derek@hoffmangroup.ca 306-713-3700
HASITH ANDRAHENNADI hasith@hoffmangroup.ca 306-262-6257
HOFFMAN GROUP 300 - 728 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H2
www.hoffmangroup.ca
88 PotashWorks 2022
Group insurance policies can have two components: taxable and nontaxable – the premiums and the benefits. Employer-paid premiums for life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), disability, and critical illness insurance are considered taxable benefits. Most employers will have employees pay those premiums instead of employees paying tax on the premiums. Employees also usually pay for disability premiums so that any claim payments received are tax-free. However, health, dental, and employee assistance program premiums paid by employers are non-taxable benefits. Budgeting three per cent of payroll can fund a comprehensive health and dental plan. Surveying your employees and benchmarking your benefits plan provides good data to help you make decisions. If your benefits plan is below market, enhancing coverage to fill any gaps can bring far more value than the equivalent dollars in pay. A full copy of “Tax Status of Group Benefits” is available on request.
2) H ealth Spending Accounts (HSAs)
3) Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)
HSAs are a non-taxable alternative or
Do you have a group retirement sav-
supplement to a traditional benefits
ings plan? Contributions made to a
plan. Eligible health-related expenses include vision, dental, and more. What qualifies as an eligible expense is governed by the CRA. The employer has
group RRSP are considered taxable income. They are treated the same way as a pay raise so any contribu-
reduced when the company is not as profitable. Employers can also set vesting periods that allow greater control. Vesting periods can be as long as two years. If employees quit or are terminated before that time, the employer contribution for them stays with the company. To optimize
complete control over which employ-
tions will attract all the regular payroll
compensation dollars, a higher per-
ees are covered under the plan and
taxes such as CPP, EI, and Workers
centage matching contribution to a
how much they are given to spend.
Compensation. However, employer
DPSP versus an increase in wages is
contributions made to a pension
a smart decision.
Consider
an
employee
earning
$75,000 annually. What is the per-
plan or DPSP are not considered as
ceived value of a one per cent in-
regular income in the same way. That
crease in wages compared with a
means your business gets to avoid
$750 non-taxable health spending
those payroll taxes, allowing you to
account? Not only is the $750 HSA
provide compensation in a more tax-
non-taxable to the employee, but
effective way.
those dollars do not attract payroll
We all want the most value from our dollars. Before automatically giving a three per cent merit increase, evaluate your tax-efficient rewards and your total rewards plan. An increase in wages may cost you more than you
taxes and it’s only a cost to the com-
You have the option to tie contribu-
think, especially if you lose a key em-
pany if the employee submits eligible
tions to company performance as
ployee who thinks beyond “show me
claims.
well, so employer expenses can be
the money”. s
How do your benefits and pension plans stack up against the competition? In 30 seconds, benchmark your plan by industry, province and company size.
BencHmark Your plan now
suttonplanning.ca 2022 PotashWorks 89
Providing best-in-class service to the industry
Park Derochie Whether it’s new construction, main-
built on the principles of strong work
with a system that addresses the
tenance, or shut downs, Park Dero-
ethic, commitment to customer sat-
three most important factors in de-
chie has you covered. With roots
isfaction, developing a skilled, dedi-
termining the right scaffolding; safe-
going back to 1956, Park Derochie
cated workforce and a belief that
ty, quality, and productivity. HAKI is
continues to lead the way as one of
loyalty begets loyalty. This culture,
the innovative scaffolding solution
the top industrial coating contrac-
some of which grew naturally from
the industry has been waiting for.
tors in North America, specializing in
small company beginnings, sets us
all types of industrial coatings, fire-
apart from the competition and has
proofing, firestopping, blast clean-
helped us become one of Western
ing, scaffolding, as well as mechani-
Canada’s most admired companies.
cal, architectural, and sprayfoam
Our unique ability to provide a diverse package of coordinated services with a single project manager results in superior project coordina-
At Park Derochie, we embrace the
tion and translates to time and cost
quality program principles of ISO
savings for your projects; this is also
Park Derochie’s growth can be con-
9001:2015, which incorporates the
an ideal fit for all types of mainte-
tributed to providing value for our
guiding tenets of Six Sigma and
nance contracts. With that, Park
clients by building a solid foundation
Lean, and the process approach to
Derochie also offers a web-based
of qualified employees. Since it was
management. Our focus is to set the
system that gives our clients access
established in 2010, Park Derochie
standard in the industrial service in-
to up-to-date project cost informa-
Coatings (Saskatchewan) Inc. has
dustry in safety and quality of our
tion from anywhere in the world.
built a workforce of more than 160
workmanship. The standard is always
This system saves time by making it
employees. Not only has Indigenous
to meet the needs of our customers
convenient and quick to review and
engagement created amicable work-
and striving to exceed their expecta-
approve LEMs on time and material
ing relationships with the First Na-
tions with reliable, professional ser-
tions groups, it has also provided
vice.
contracts, leaving you free to man-
insulation.
Park Derochie with a workforce of young,
enthusiastic
workers
that
make up an average of 30 per cent of their employees. Park Derochie has employed cost control analysts, site superintendents, general foremen, foremen, and general workers from various Indigenous communities throughout the province. The company is also proud to note that 53 per cent of Park Derochie Saskatchewan’s operation is made up of Indigenous, females, and visible minorities.
Since becoming the primary con-
ing your contractor. Park Derochie
tracting partner and distributor in
provides detailed LEMs, summarized
North America for the HAKI Scaffold
project costs, and cost breakdowns
Universal Product range in 2017, Park
to meet your needs. This allows our
Derochie has continued to make our
clients to monitor costs incurred
mark in the scaffolding industry.
daily to compare against budgets to
With HAKI’S innovative system and
avoid cost overruns.
Park Derochie’s established scaffolding experience within the construction industry and community, this is a scaffolding game changer. As per the mission statement, for Park Derochie to provide best-in-class services, best-in-class products must be
Park Derochie is proud of our unique
used. Park Derochie now provides
corporate culture. The company was
clients throughout North America
90 PotashWorks 2022
age your project instead of manag-
The Park Derochie difference is apparent…striving to provide best-inclass services is our mission. Park Derochie has proven to be an unparalleled sub-contractor when it comes to corporate social responsibility, innovation, and expertise. One call… one contractor!. s
DIGITAL
DIRECTORIES AND DATABASES Every newsletter needs a list of emails and every online directory needs a database. DEL Communications can assist in gathering the necessary information to create your own searchable directory and/ or an email list for your newsletter.
Potash Mining Directory North of 60 Mining Directory Canadian Winery and Suppliers Directory
NEWSLETTERS
E-newsletters are a great way to keep your audience up-to-date and create new revenue streams. Together, you and our digital team can help create newsletters with eye-catching design and original content. Designed as a PDF digital publication, your newsletter is cross-platform compatible and easily accessible.
The Potash Producer Mining Your Business Canada Green & Clean Email mic@delcommunications.com
for more information.
Combatting corrosion during potash cooling HOW THE VERTICAL PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER IS LAST MAN STANDING IN MOST OPERATIONS BY IGOR MAKARENKO The path to profitability for potash
bersome maintenance schedules and
challenges or cumbersome mainte-
producers starts with the mineral de-
downturns. Yet a more common effect
nance schedules.
posit, followed by choosing the right
of corrosion is costly downtime that
mining and process equipment to ex-
results in capital retrofits of equip-
tract, process, and refine the mineral
ment that, otherwise, should still have
into a valuable commodity product.
many years of operating lifespan.
Harsh processing conditions are common to these facilities, which tests the lifespans of all equipment in the facility.
It accomplishes this through stainlesssteel fabrication standards and material selection adequacy that have been proven over the past several decades
Like many other areas of a potash pro-
to better withstand the high tempera-
cessing facility, the challenges associ-
tures and corrosive environments as-
ated with corrosion are also acutely
sociated with potash processing.
felt at the product cooling stage, di-
The corrosive nature of this processed
rectly prior to storage, packaging, and
It is complemented by a simple yet ef-
material, specifically, has the poten-
transport. Vertical plate technology,
fective mass flow design that requires
tial to erode producers’ pockets by
however, gives producers an effective
minor maintenance and minimizes
threatening the effectiveness and re-
solution to indirectly cool their prod-
product degradation, as well as the
liability of their facilities’ equipment.
uct to consistent outlet temperatures
need for downstream product clean-
Best case, corrosion still leads to cum-
without facing traditional corrosion
ing equipment.
Located just prior to storage, packaging and transport, vertical plate technology is well suited to indirectly cool corrosive bulk materials such as potash due to its use of high-alloy austenitic stainless steel. Photo courtesy of Solex Thermal Science.
92 PotashWorks 2022
The mass flow design of vertical plate technology at the cooling stage of potash processing also minimizes product abrasion and degradation from occurring while simultaneously mitigating wear to the unit. Photo courtesy of Solex Thermal Science.
An innovative solution to more efficient potash cooling Solex indirect cooling technology guarantees efficient thermal performance. Our cooling solution ensures long-term, reliable plant operations, allowing operators to produce a finished product with the required stable temperature with also avoiding caking. • • • • •
Guaranteed specified final product temperature Reduces anti-caking reagents usage/expenses Compact design is ideal for existing plant layouts Specially designed to withstand corrosive environments Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solution
www.solexthermal.com 2022 PotashWorks 93
First, a bit of background . . . During potash processing, equipment is continuously exposed to corrosive
where mechanical wear has removed
different metals in potash brine en-
the corroded layer or protective pas-
vironments have found some of the
sive film.
more common construction materi-
salts such as potassium chloride and
Like many free-flowing solids, potash
sodium chloride. The addition of water
also has a knack of finding its way
– which forms a highly corrosive brine, intensified if the water is hot enough to fully dissolve the chloride salts – or moisture/carbon dioxide from the air
into nooks and crannies – in this case, hardening into sharp crystals and eating into the metal of processing equipment.
als used in these processing facilities tend to be severely degraded by localized corrosion (e.g., pitting and crevice corrosion), whereas higher grades of stainless steel have proven to be more resilient.
compounds the corrosive effect. This
Several studies conducted at the Uni-
Picking the right equipment
is particularly the case with fresh met-
versity of Saskatchewan over the past
al surfaces on processing equipment
two decades on the performance of
Vertical plate technology, which cools potash indirectly, has emerged as a more robust and now standard solu-
HDPE SOLUTION FOR DEWATERING AND TAILINGS
tion when compared to direct-contact moving bed heat exchangers. The tower-like design cools the product by conduction instead of convection (e.g., air cooling). Free-flowing particles, such as potash, enter the exchanger at temperatures around 120°C or higher, slowly passing between a parallel series of heat exchanger plates that contain a counter-current flow of water or other heat transfer fluids.
THE FASTEST WAY TO JOIN HDPE PIPE
The plates transfer the heat from the potash to the heat transfer fluid, and the product cools to temperatures between 40°C and 70°C as, pulled by gravity, it slowly and uniformly moves downward, controlled by a discharge device. A key benefit to the reliability of vertical plate technology lies in how it is fabricated. Specifically selected grades of high-quality stainless steel are recognized benchmarks, thereby
INSTALLS UP TO 10x FASTER THAN FUSING
MEETS OR EXCEEDS PRESSURE RATINGS OF HDPE PIPE
INSTALLS WITH SIMPLE TOOLS
INSTALLATION IS WEATHER INDEPENDENT
making the finished units incredibly resistant to corrosion, while also being able to prevent material hang-ups due to the smooth surface finish. In addition, the sturdy heat exchanger design, which are finished to meet ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and/or PED (Pressure
victaulic.com/hdpesolutions © 2021 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Equipment Directive) pressure vessel codes, as well as the plates inside, typically use corrosion-resistant material, which is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel developed primarily to handle
94 PotashWorks 2022
harsh
products,
including
chloride-bearing media such as pot-
In addition, asset maintenance costs
Vertical plate technology provides
ash. In fact, corrosion studies carried
are also drastically lowered because of
potash producers with the peace of
out at the University of Saskatchewan
the gentle wear to the internal parts.
mind they need to remain productive.
in recent years have found that the
The technology is designed to oper-
The stainless-steel design is world-
abovementioned high-alloy stainless
ate with a minimal number of moving parts, offering simple installation, vir-
tested, with many units commissioned
steels have the highest pitting resistance when compared with other ma-
tually zero maintenance, and years of
terials.
reliable operation.
A better way to handle abrasion
that are still in operation today. In fact, these exchangers are often one of the
When cleaning is required, the design
longest pieces of equipment standing
offers easy access to the heat transfer
in most potash operations due to their
areas and individual plates. (The mass
long-term durability.
Vertical plate technology also offers
flow design is also a key component
the benefit of minimizing product
to ensuring any product that goes into
abrasion and degradation from occur-
the exchanger comes out with a stable
ring while simultaneously mitigating
and uniform final temperature.)
wear to the unit. It does this through
by Solex Thermal Science decades ago
At the same time, the gravity-fed design ensures gentle handling of the product, even temperatures at outlet and no wear and tear to the exchanger
the aforementioned mass flow design
Final considerations
and the plates.
that uses gravity as the driving force,
As many North American producers
To
and a discharge feeder that controls
increase potash production heading
the rate of flow of the product be-
more efficiently cool potash, visit
into 2022, the call for more reliable op-
tween the stainless-steel plates and
www.solexthermal.com.
erations will continue to grow louder.
through the unit at exceptionally low
This, in turn, will create even smaller
Igor Makarenko is the global director,
velocities. As a result, the slow material
margins of error for equipment failure
fertilizers for Solex Thermal Science, a
movement ensures there is no attrition
or downtime caused by frequent and
Calgary-headquartered company that
and thus no dust formation from the
unplanned maintenance, as well as
specializes in bulk solids thermal ex-
product.
costly loss of production.
change. s
learn
more
about
how
to
Reinforcing Progress Follow us on You want to advance your operations efficiently. To improve safety. To minimize downtime and maximize productivity and performance. We have the people and the products for every challenge, and a supply chain you can rely on to deliver. Working alongside you, we help you progress towards your objectives – quickly, reliably, cost-effectively. Sturgeon Falls, ON – Sudbury, ON – Saskatoon, SK – Val-D’Or, QC
211213_Potashwork-DSI UG_CA.indd 3
dsiunderground.ca
2022 PotashWorks 95 13.12.2021 08:53:45
Excellence in customer service FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR THE JOB KEEPS DSG CUSTOMERS COMING BACK
Percy Hoff, CEO of DSG Power Systems.
There are many aspects to excellence
er interrogation’. Customer interroga-
in customer service, but finding the
tion means asking probing questions
right solutions for customers pays
about the specification and/or needs
dividends in critical applications.
of every solution they are seeking.”
In 1983, Percy Hoff, then a 32-year-old
For example, if a customer in the min-
immigrant from South Africa, landed
ing industry is purchasing a diesel
in Saskatoon and soon began apply-
engine, it would be essential to know
ing his family-learned business model
whether they plan to use it under-
to market his broad knowledge of
ground or on the surface. If it goes
diesel engines and equipment. His
underground, what regulations apply
actions became the foundation for a
to exhaust emission controls? How
successful business model.
dusty are the working conditions?
“The right application for the job is critical to our customer’s success,”
What considerations are there for corrosion or dust ingestion?
explains Hoff. “To do this, we use an
The principle of asking the right
internally coined term called ‘custom-
questions before proposing a solution applies across DSG’s product lines. When discussing chemical fuel treatments, it is critical to understand the customer’s problem or potential problem. Diesel fuel, when it leaves refineries, meets all specifications and works well. Most customers do not know that the heat and high pressure in modern diesel engines play havoc with good clean fuel, and fuel systems get contaminated from the inside. Again, the right formula for specific use is massively essential. Power generation is another area where the skill of asking questions and listening carefully is essential. “We field requests for quotations every day, which are very general,” says Hoff. “A salesperson can easily mis-
When discussing chemical fuel treatments, it is critical to understand the customer’s problem or potential problem.
96 PotashWorks 2022
lead a customer with a low price for a
The principle of asking the right questions before proposing a solution applies across DSG’s product lines. generator set that will not do the job or prove durable enough.” DSG Power Systems’ business model has proven successful over a long time, helping customers across the country with engines, parts, fuel treatments,
generator
sets,
and
DSG offers parts and repair services for all diesel engines, including factory-certified support for Perkins, Kubota, Yanmar, and Kohler engines.
switchgear. DSG customers include mining, agriculture, oilfield, construc-
generator sets at the Saskatoon plant
keted internationally and have carved
tion, and fuel jobbers.
and provides specialty options from
out a reputation for robust perfor-
Blue Star Generators and others.
mance.
for all diesel engines, including fac-
DSG blends and packages the 4+ line
For more information on DSG Power
tory-certified support for Perkins,
of diesel fuel additives and condition-
Systems, please visit DieselServices.
Kubota, Yanmar, and Kohler engines.
ers at the 31,000-square-foot facility
com, or call 800-667-6879. Email
DSG builds its PowerPro brand of
in Saskatoon. 4+ additives are mar-
Sales@DieselServices.com. s
DSG offers parts and repair services
PROUD PARTNER & DISTRIBUTOR
VISIT US AT WWW.DIESELSERVICES.COM
TRUSTED
POWER SYSTEMS SINCE 1983
INDUSTRY
PROVIDING DEPENDABLE POWER TO SASKATCHEWAN’S VITAL SERVICES
EMERGENCY SERVICES
HIGHLY ENGINEERED, TECHNOLOGICALLY SOPHISTICATED AND COMPREHENSIVE POWER GENERATION SOLUTIONS
CALL (306) 221-9294 OR (306) 227-3554 TODAY! DSG x BlueStarPS - Potashworks Ad.indd 1
COMMERCIAL
BLUE ST R Power Systems Inc.
2021-11-08 4:25 PM
2022 PotashWorks 97
Eclipse E-Line Services FINDING A WAY
Eclipse can accommodate the unpredictability of wireline needs, even if sites are challenging or complex to access or navigate.
Redefining success in the industry Eclipse E-Line Services Inc. built a team with over 800 years of collective staff experience. Then, they handed out the keys to a top-of-theline fleet. They serve both the mining and oil and gas industries at a comprehensive level, all while keeping true to their roots; they are Canadianowned, Canadian-operated, and built to be an industry change-maker.
Standing apart in the industry In a field where technology and service needs can change quickly, agility is key – Eclipse knows it. Whether you’re fully operational or not, your
Eclipse stands behind their solutions;
row, Eclipse can even work sight-
costs can add up; that’s why you
you won’t just hear that the job is
unseen with an expansive, inter-
need a nimble, responsive provider.
done; you’ll get the full breakdown.
disciplinary catalogue of tools and
With strategically-located operations
Their in-house log analysts provide
services that includes a series of ex-
bases across western Canada, Eclipse
each client with reports that summa-
clusive licenses and agreements; they
can accommodate the unpredictabil-
rize conditions, interpretations, and
have unshared access to Enhanced
ity of wireline needs, even if sites are
results. This transparent approach is
Energetics’ GasGunTM and KrakenTM
challenging or complex to access or
how Eclipse gains trust. They consis-
for perforating services; Flodim for
navigate.
tently deliver optimal results that in-
the EZ Cutter; sonar and cavern sur-
spire confidence in future operations.
veillance tools; and MCR Oil Tools for
Their team of experts is ready to help with specialty services, cavern and
Like any responsible modern orga-
sonar services, pipe recovery, per-
nization, Eclipse strongly believes in
forating services, abandonment ser-
being good corporate and industrial
vices, cased hole logging, and more.
citizens. Eclipse commits to maintain-
Ready when you are, where you are.
ing a safe, healthy work environment;
Eclipse brings over one-million collective working hours of experience. That means whatever you’re dealing with, their team has seen it before, and their one-stop shop approach is ready to tackle any and every obstacle that might appear.
98 PotashWorks 2022
they employ a full-time HSE manager and trainer for their field staff, so their team can perform at their peak. This integrity also cascades into limited environmental impacts; after all, their staff live here too. Embracing the technology of tomor-
tools used in pipe recovery. You can join Eclipse at the forefront of innovation and enjoy the benefits of capable technological leadership.
Pursuing excellence together Eclipse is a company that pursues incomparable performance in delivery, efficiency, reliability, and ingenuity – sharing goals and successes alike with every client. To see the successes for yourself, visit them online at www.eclipseeline.com. s
SOLVING YOUR RAIL NEEDS OPTIMIZE YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN & CONNECT YOU TO CLASS 1 RAILWAYS DESIGN, BUILD, OPERATE, FINANCE, MAINTAIN RAIL SOLUTIONS END-TO-END SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMIZATION PLATFORM THAT ENABLES MANAGEMENT AND COST CONTROL FOR SHIPPERS
candorail.com quasarplatform.com
Geosynthetics – An emerging market
In addition to their experience with HDPE piping systems, GE is well-positioned to ensure potash mining in Saskatchewan remains a sustainable and competitive industry.
DPE pipe fusion.
Founded in 2007, GE Environmental
Gerry has provided the next genera-
as the industry evolves and we design
Solution’s leadership had the vision to
tion of employees with guidance as
and build infrastructure with geosyn-
be an industry leader in the distribu-
his industry knowledge spans over 35
thetics.”
tion and installation of geotechnical
years. The next generation includes
engineering products, more com-
Eric Lamontagne, who is a profession-
monly referred to as geosynthetics.
al engineer with an extensive mining and geosynthetic background. Le-
Lamontagne goes on to explain how geosynthetics have been applied to construction since the early 1960s. However, education around product
Brothers Gerry and Ricky Lamon-
land Slobodian, a red seal electrician,
tagne founded the company by fo-
ensures operations are run safely and
cusing on a client-first approach to
efficiently. Lance Lamontagne man-
geosynthetic distribution and installa-
ages the company’s environmental
tion. At inception, the company’s pri-
consultation fieldwork. His education
mary customer was service contrac-
includes a degree in biology and ex-
tors, however, it has evolved its scope
tensive background in environmental
thetics.
of service and currently also serves
consulting/management. Adam Reputakowski has experience in polyeth-
“As a team, we discuss the best ap-
mining producers. Project scopes and complexity of these projects have al-
ylene manufacturing and has knowl-
lowed GE to be more integrated with-
edge of water conveyance systems,
in the engineering of infrastructure
which has allowed GE to excel in the
assets for the potash producers.
HDPE piping market.
Some of the major projects that GE
Collectively, the team has allowed GE
has been involved within the potash mining industry includes cooling ponds, retention ponds, berm erosion
to explore new ventures and continue to push the boundaries of construction.
diversity and variety are not as widely understood, which can sometimes impede the design process. GE’s strength comes from the unbiased approach of designing with geosyn-
proach for each project, and which product(s) are best suited for the application,” says Lamontagne. “We also support the quality of installation to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.” Lamontagne adds that the potash industry, due to its operating environment, can be taxing on infrastruc-
control measures, HDPE slurry pipe-
“Geosynthetics, in general, is not
ture from a corrosive standpoint.
lines, berm extensions, concrete pro-
fully understood by many,” says Eric
“Geosynthetics have a multitude of
tective liners, and secondary contain-
Lamontagne, GE president. “Educa-
applications within the potash indus-
ment structures.
tion will continue to play a pivotal role
try. HDPE pipe is manufactured with
100 PotashWorks 2022
polyethylene, which happens to be the same thermoplastic used in many geosynthetics.” GE’s corporate responsibility initiatives are a guiding compass for their work. GE remains committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and is active within the Indigenous communities they work in. Striving for diversity in their workforce continues to be a company goal. Since 2015, GE has sustained a 40 per cent Aboriginal employee workforce.
HDPE pipe.
GE is committed to expanding workforce skill sets that are transferable to other areas of construction. “Building capacity within the communities we work in is a high priority for us,” Lamontagne explains.
tal compliance on ponds, secondary
Providing innovative solutions to the
containment, and highly erodible ar-
mining industry, in particular the pot-
eas on site. In addition to their experi-
ash industry, has been a focal point
ence with HDPE piping systems, GE
for GE. GE is compliant with ISNet-
is well-positioned to ensure potash
world and COR certified, allowing GE
GE continues to work with all the pot-
mining in Saskatchewan remains a
to work directly with potash produc-
ash producers to ensure environmen-
sustainable and competitive industry.
ers. s
HDPE PIPE CONCRETE PROTECTIVE LINER CELLULAR CONFINEMENT
COOLING POND CONTAINMENT
1.306.931.8014
DRILLING PADS
greenearthenvironmental.ca 2022 PotashWorks 101
A relationship in the potash industry built on trust JA TECH PERFORMS SPECIALIZED INSTALLATIONS OF 230KV AND 138KV HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLES IN ADDITION TO TERMINATIONS AND TESTING Since our inception in 2003, JA Tech
dition to terminations and testing. We
has established relationships in the
have been involved in several 230kV
potash industry built on trust. Our
and 138kV cable termination analy-
clients trust that we have the experi-
sis and replacements, as well as full
ence and expertise to keep their fa-
installation, termination, and testing
cilities operating day and night. As a
of new high-voltage cables. Our in-
provider of field, technical, and engi-
house representatives are certified
neering services and products which
in PFISTERER© brand high-voltage
form an electrical power system, our mining customers have come to know and trust our capabilities on their sites.
terminations, including the EST style and Connex up to size 6S. As we own all the specialized tools to perform
Engineering services and substation automation From feasibility all the way through to commissioning and start-up, we have the ability to support any electrical project through its complete life cycle. JA Tech offers engineering and design services covering all aspects of an electrical system, including high-voltage greenfield and brownfield electrical design, power system
this work, there is no need for us to
studies, protection relay upgrades,
JA Tech is a certified Aboriginal busi-
subcontract any equipment. This al-
and everything in between. Lever-
ness with the CCAB and a member
lows us more flexibility with the client
aging the latest technologies such
of the First Nations Power Authority
to ensure they are getting the qual-
(FNPA).
as IEC 61850, we are proud to offer
ity and safety standards they require.
unique,
Our cable jointers are experienced in
for our customers, and take special
many different brands of medium-
design consideration for safety, con-
and high-voltage cable preparation
structability, maintainability, and reli-
JA Tech performs specialized instal-
techniques. References are available,
ability of the final product. For sub-
lations of high-voltage cables in ad-
contact our office for more details.
station automation, we use IEC 61850
High-voltage cable installation and jointing
102 PotashWorks 2022
custom-tailored
solutions
Knowing and understanding the condition of your assets is vital to controlling the risks presented to your business. As part of our predictive maintenance offering, JA Tech performs both online and offline partial discharge testing. design and implementation, along
especially important on aged cables
Elsteel MCC, which is a custom CSA/
with multi-vendor IED configuration
and feeders that cannot easily be
UL MCC design for all industries and
and GOOSE messaging. We special-
isolated for offline testing. We have
applications.
ize in RTAC configuration and HMI
worked closely with companies like
design with support for DNP3, Mod-
EA Technologies to ensure a quality
bus/RTU, Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP,
installation that is functional on a va-
and SEL protocols.
riety of different switchgear brands.
PD testing
Mitsubishi drives and Elsteel MCC’s
Knowing and understanding the con-
E-house and control room design builds When you require a modular, industrial solution for your MCCs, switchgear, transformers, VFDs or protection systems, we can provide complete turn-
dition of your assets is vital to con-
JA Tech and ArrowSpeed Controls
trolling the risks presented to your
have teamed up to support the Sas-
business. As part of our predictive
katchewan potash industry to sup-
maintenance offering, JA Tech per-
ply, install, and commission Mitsubi-
forms both online and offline partial
shi drives. Arrowspeed Controls is
plete package, tested and ready to
discharge testing. We have also com-
one of the largest VFD integrators in
ship. All of our engineering changes
pleted permanent RFCT installations
Canada with inventory up to 800 HP.
are done in house to help speed up
on medium-voltage cable shields for
JA Tech will provide local, factory-
delivery schedules for our clients and
customers so their cables may be
trained technicians to support all of
reduce costs. As we continue to grow,
monitored at regular intervals. This is
your VFD projects. We also offer an
so do our capabilities. s
Technical Field Services Electrical Field Services Overhead Crane Services Instrumentation Field Services
key CSA buildings from our shop in Saskatoon. We can install equipment supplied by others or provide a com-
Engineering Services Substation Automation Protective Equipment Testing Mitsubishi Drives JA Tech is a provider of construction and technical service for all equipment and apparatus that form an electrical power system. We provide some of the most skilled labour and up-to-date equipment in the mining, industrial and utility sectors. Through integrity, quality and commitment we achieve the best for our customers. Additional Specialized Services: • Transformer Assembly and Oil Processing • On-line Diagnostic Assessment Testing • Specialized Cable Testing including Partial Discharge Testing • Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing • Medium and High Voltage Cable Terminations including Pfisterer Terminations
Integrity • Quality • Commitment www.jatechpowersystems.com 306-975-2122 contracts@jatechpowersystems.com 2022 PotashWorks 103
Meeting the demands of heavy-duty machinery
Welcome to Nemco Lubricants + Solutions. We are a Canadian prairiebased manufacturer of high-quality heavy-duty lubricants and antifreeze products.
and mining equipment, heavy-duty
cally based sales team will listen to
trucks, sport, or luxury vehicles, or
your concerns and work with you and
recreational vehicles, we have the
your team to come up with the right
right lubricant to meet your needs.
product at the right price to help your
With state-of-the-art blending equip-
business succeed.
ment you can expect quality and consistency and it will all be backed up with the support you need. We are all about starting with quality
Nemco has been making the finest
and following up with great service.
quality motor oils, lubricants, and
Our manufacturing facility located
specialty chemicals since 1983. To-
in Winnipeg, Man. is certified to ISO
day, 38 years later, Nemco continues
9001:2015.
to manufacture and distribute over 700 premium industrial and commercial lubricant and chemical products with excellent brand recognition throughout western Canada and northern Ontario. Our company is the most fully integrated of its kind with blending, packaging, private labelling,
Canadian businesses just like yours have come to rely on Nemco’s exceptional product and service quality. Nemco brand products are formulated to meet the most current industry standards and stringent requirements of today’s manufacturers. Our products have been professionally
Our strength comes from our great
tried and tested against current in-
customers, our awesome staff, and
dustry specifications. You can rely on
our reliable suppliers. Solid, long-last-
us to meet your lubricant and solution
ing relationships is what sets Nemco
needs quickly and with confidence.
apart. Every day we strive to provide friendly, efficient, and ethical service. Our knowledgeable team, combined
Product and safety data information is always available.
with the best products for heavy-du-
We’re committed to greatness – in
ty machinery, vehicle maintenance, or
our people, our products, our ser-
specialized equipment makes us your
vice, and the success of our custom-
best choice every time. We work hard
ers. We service a broad range of in-
to build and maintain solid partner-
dustries across Canada. Call Nemco
Our oils are designed to lubricate
ships with our customers. Nemco Lu-
Lubricants + Solutions today to find
and protect today’s precision en-
bricants + Solutions is geared to help
out how we can make a positive dif-
gines. From heavy-duty construction
your business succeed. Our techni-
ference in your organization. s
bulk terminals, and distribution capabilities from its plant in Winnipeg and distribution warehouses in Regina and Saskatoon.
DEL Communications Inc. and you,
THE KEY TO SUCCESS. We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: CREATIVE DESIGN | ADVERTISING SALES TRADE PUBLICATIONS | QUALIFIED SALES & EDITORIAL TEAM
Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 Toll Free:1.866.831.4744 | Toll Free Fax: 1.866.711.5282 www.delcommunications.com
104 PotashWorks 2022
WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES
HD ENGINE OILS INDUSTRIAL OILS HYDRAULIC OILS ANTIFREEZE GEAR OILS GREASE Geared to Perform
We’re here to help you succeed. Strongly rooted in our Canadian heritage, we are proud to offer our superior lubricant and chemical products to the potash industry.
Call us now. Winnipeg, MB. (Head Office) 204-788-1030
Regina, SK. 306-775-1919
Saskatoon, SK. 306-242-2882
www.nemco.ca
Building the Future Together.
Tron has been delivering excellence in infrastructure and construction services for more than 20 years. We handle the logistics before, during and after construction projects for industry sector leaders while offering consulting, general contracting, construction management & design build services.
PRIORITIES Safety & Quality.
Tron works in an environment that has safety as a first priority, ensuring safety and quality standards are met and fostering continual improvement throughout the company. Tron has earned industry accepted certifications such as COR, ISO9001:2015, ASME and CWB.
■
General Contracting & Construction
■
Best in Class Safety
■
Integrity with Pride
■
Purpose Driven
301- 2555 Grasswood Road Saskatoon SK S7T 0K1
bids@troncm.com Phone: 306-652-4989 www.troncm.com
2022 PotashWorks 105
StratoMAX:
Designed for longer, heavier potash trains STRATO Inc. (www.stratoinc.com) is sole-
tained by all unit train owners who specify
ly focused on designing superior railway
StratoMAX® M-216 knuckles for their entire
products to exceed customer expecta-
railcar fleet.
tions of performance. We recognize that our customers need products that are engineered to perform better than current Bearing adapter.
AAR minimum standards for today’s railroad operating environment. Our 53-year culture of innovation and improvement enables our customers to run longer and heavier trains efficiently and with confi-
Coupler.
in unit train service. STRATO designed the StratoMAX® M-216 knuckle to exceed the fatigue service life of all other knuckles, making it the most reliable, longest-lasting knuckle on the market.
Truck performance
Unit train focus
In 2020, STRATO introduced its line of
STRATO understands the critical value of tomers via rail in a dedicated unit train. Very much like a chain, a unit train is only as productive as the weakest component allows it to be. STRATO is committed to continuously researching, testing, and improving the products we manufacture to provide our customers with the greatest level of reliability and performance, second to none.
Shear pad.
are designed for longer and heavier trains
dence.
transporting your product to your cus-
Knuckle.
StratoMAX® knuckles, couplers, and yokes
railcar truck Bearing Adapters with Shear Pads. STRATO’s Shear Pads improve curving performance and rolling resistance, translating
into
significantly
extended
wheel life. Extensive testing of the STRATO Shear Pads shows the STRATO design to have a 2:1 longer service life, resulting in greater wheel protection and lower maintenance costs. The shear pad also possesses a superior resistance to high temperatures created by friction within the bearings that often causes other pads to
Knuckle performance study
melt. Trucks fitted with STRATO Bearing
In 2018, a Canadian Class One Railroad
longer, providing the owner with higher
replaced all the existing knuckles on its
productivity and greater return on assets.
Adapters and Shear Pads stay in service
dedicated unit train fleet to StratoMAX® AAR M-216 knuckles. The in-service performance of the fleet using 100 per cent StratoMAX® knuckles exceeded expectations in speed and reliability by virtually eliminating undesired train stoppages related to knuckle breakage. The railroad has Yokes.
realized lower operating costs and higher productivity on the unit train fleet, creating greater service value to its customers.
106 PotashWorks 2022
Transportation strategy As the cost of transporting cargo continues to rise, increasing rolling stock productivity is critical to the success of your business. No other rail systems partner understands this more than STRATO. The most effective strategy to achieve the greatest efficiency and return on assets is to specify StratoMAX® Couplers and
The same performance advantage and
Knuckles, and STRATO Bearing Adapters
productivity improvement that has been
and Shear Pads to maximize the in-service
achieved by similar customers can be ob-
performance of your railcars. s
How to avoid the top three conveyor system issues in your potash operation It’s not uncommon for large, complex
What can cause them? And what can
priate, good-quality conveyor com-
machinery to develop issues that can
you do to keep them from happen-
ponents, are all things you can do to
impact its efficiency or operation, and
ing?
prevent mistracking and other issues
conveyors are definitely no exception. With a myriad of moving parts, all working 24/7 at maximum output, the possibility of something breaking down is fairly high. A conveyor that isn’t operating correctly can result in productivity loss, costly repairs, and even a safety hazard to workers. To avoid these unwanted scenarios, it’s important to be on the lookout for any potential problems and take proactive steps to prevent them.
The term ‘mistracking’ refers to a conveyor belt that pulls to one side and runs off its intended track. Mistracking is a significant issue that should be addressed immediately since it can lead to additional problems, including belt damage, material spillage, and even damage to the conveyor’s overall structure. There are several factors that can cause belt mistracking and those are misaligned idlers or locked rollers, faulty chute structure skirting, material overload on
from possibly occurring. It’s essential to regularly inspect idlers and their rollers to ensure the idlers are aligned properly and the rollers are running evenly. Daily greasing of roller bearings helps to avoid any locked rollers. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the chute skirting too, especially at the discharge points. Skirting that doesn’t contain or discharge the material properly can push a belt off track. Overloading the belt with more material than it is designed to handle
With that in mind, let’s explore the
the belt, and crooked belt splices or
three most common conveyor issues:
worn vulcanized belt splices. Regular
belt mistracking, belt slippage, and
inspection and maintenance of your
Belt slippage occurs when there is
material carry-back. What are they?
conveyor, along with choosing appro-
either too little or too much tension
108 PotashWorks 2022
can also be an issue.
West River employees inspecting our equipment installed in an underground potash mine for any belt mistracking, misalignment or carryback issues.
in the conveyor belt. Without the
conveyor (producing what is called
sidual material remaining on the belt.
proper balance of tension, a belt can
‘tailings’) or continues to build up on
Using high-performing scrapers is a
slip off of the pulleys and eventually
the belt. If not controlled and elimi-
must to get rid of carry-back since
cause further serious problems, such
nated, carry-back can cause serious
poor quality scraper blades tend to
as belt or motor failure. Like mistrack-
damage to belts and other critical
wear out quickly and start to flip or
ing, belt slippage should be correct-
conveyor components. Carry-back
twist, which can make them ineffec-
ed right away, or better yet, avoided
not only affects the performance of
tive. Be sure your primary and sec-
altogether. To lower the risk of con-
your conveyor, but it can also impact
ondary scrapers are installed prop-
veyor belt slippage, regularly inspect
your bottom line, causing significant
erly because blades that don’t press
(and replace if needed) the lagging
material loss and creating a need for
close to the belt won’t scrape away
on the pulleys, especially on the head
additional labour to clean up the tail-
material. Scraper blades that are the
drive pulley. Incorrectly installed lag-
ings. Since tailings clean up near a
wrong size for a conveyor’s belt or
ging or lagging with a lot of wear can
running conveyor is a dangerous task
pulleys can lead to carry-back too.
become smooth and lose that all-im-
that can risk the safety of your work-
portant grip on the belt. The less grip
ers, eliminating carry-back on your
lagging has, the greater the chance a
conveyor is all the more crucial. Some
belt could start to slip. At the same
causes of material carryback include
time, a bent or damaged pulley can
poor quality scrapers, improperly in-
also affect the tension of the belt and
stalled scrapers, and inappropriate
result in slippage, so if you discover
scraper type and size.
any broken pulleys, be sure to replace
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. When it comes to conveyors, this philosophy couldn’t be truer. West River Conveyors believes in helping you take proactive steps to prevent mistracking, slippage, and
A good quality belt cleaning system,
carry-back, as well as high repair
also known as ‘scrapers’, is essential
costs, productivity loss, and safety
Out of the three main conveyor is-
to preventing carry-back. A scraper
risks. West River Conveyors has been
sues, carry-back is probably the most
system is made up of primary and
designing heavy-duty conveyor sys-
common conveyor issue. The term
secondary blades that are designed
tems for potash mines and other de-
‘material carry-back’ refers to mate-
to ‘scrape’ material off the belt and
manding environments for more than
rial that doesn’t discharge from the
greatly reduce or eliminate any carry-
36 years. West River has proven itself
bed as it should, but instead gets
back. Primary scraper blades clean
to be a conveyor product expert to
caught in the bed and is carried back
the belt at the head pulley, while sec-
the potash industry and can design
on the return. The carry-back mate-
ondary blades, which are installed at
unique fabrications to maximize your
rial either falls off the belt under the
the discharge pulley, remove any re-
success. s
them sooner rather than later.
2022 PotashWorks 109
Building on the past for a successful future VENABLES MACHINE WORKS LTD.
Aerial view of yard and shops.
Founded in 1931, Venables Machine Works Ltd. is a multi-
mitted to conducting business with honesty, integrity, and
service industrial manufacturer specializing in large-scale
quality while exceeding expectations of a vast and diverse
custom and production services to local and global mar-
customer base.
kets. Venables has grown to meet the needs of a changing industrial market by expanding their manufacturing capabilities, adopting the newest state-of-the-art technology, and expanding in-house services to provide one-stop turnkey project management.
“At Venables we believe that customer service is key and we like to build a close partnership with our customers so that they see us as not just as a supplier, but as part of their team. Our close working partnerships with customers ensures that the process from design to development
Venables manufacturing facility is located in Saskatoon,
is meticulously project managed at every stage,” says Dan
boasting 65 employees and a 40,000-square-foot manu-
Wingerak, vice-president of operations.
facturing facility. Venables has been through several large expansions and additions to an impressive complement of equipment. Recent acquisitions include a five-axis CNC horizontal boring mill with 44,000-lbs. table capacity, eight-axis CNC dual-turret dual-spindle lathe, four-roll CNC programmable plate rolls with 10-foot-by-three-quarterinch capacity, and a 60,000 psi water-jet. These equipment upgrades demonstrate Venables’ commitment to meet the needs of the changing industrial markets through continuous improvements. Experience makes all the difference and Venables has teamed up with leaders in the mining, oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture sectors. By listening to client needs, identifying and solving problems, and by going
Venables Machine Works is employee-owned and operated. This means that they have a good sense of care for the community. Venables motto has always been to do what they say they will do and it’s these core values that ensures that customers spend more time working on what they need to and less time searching for a shop they can trust. Venables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce that participates in a corporate safety program while consistently producing high-quality products safely. Venables is proudly ISNetworld, COR, CWB, and ASME certified, and a proud member of SIMSA.
above and beyond, Venables has built long-lasting rela-
Products and services include: large-scale welding and
tionships while providing products of exceptional value.
fabrication services, custom and production machining
Venables is known industry-wide as the shop that is com-
and mechanical services, complex design and engineer-
110 PotashWorks 2022
1000 bbl oilfield storage tanks.
2021 marks Venables Machine Works’ 90th anniversary.
ing services, on-site welding, machining and maintenance
Dan Wiebe, president. “Our team also has extensive knowl-
services.
edge and experience utilizing Finite Element Analysis soft-
Venables Machine Works’ engineering and design capabilities can assist in taking your product from concept to reality. Once a product is designed and manufactured,
ware and routinely use it to optimize designs and verification of certified designs. Our professional engineer is available for design certification.”
Venables can also assist you with prototype testing and
2021 marks Venables Machine Works’ 90th anniversary.
design validation using in-house testing combined with a
While incredibly proud of this achievement, they are hum-
comprehensive quality management system.
bled that few companies reach a milestone such as this and
“Our engineering team utilizes cutting-edge 3D and 2D CAD software to help our clients visualize and realize product design solutions and streamline manufacturing cycles with efficient and detailed manufacturing drawings,” says
they acknowledge this longevity to their valued employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities they have worked with over the years. For additional information, please visit www.venables.ca. s
UNPARALLELED QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR OVER 90 YEARS
502-50TH ST EAST SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN 306-931-7100 SALES@VENABLES.CA
2022 PotashWorks 111
Mine, all mine
Welco Calgary Service Centre.
Selfish isn’t a word associated with
nadian potash the most sustainable
In an increasingly competitive in-
Canadians. So what do you call it
in the world. Because it’s the right
dustry, you’d think it would be every
when we guard something precious
thing to do, even within operational
man for himself, but it isn’t, far from
with passion and conviction? A min-
and industry parameters the compe-
it. You could say, in Canadian pot-
eral second only to gold in value? A
tition doesn’t face.
ash, what’s mine is ours. You hear
billion in wages annually? Over $5.5 billion into our economy and millions back to our communities? When you’re number one and you want to stay that way? Let’s just call it healthy self-interest. What is totally Canadian is the values and high standards in our potash industry. Well-paid employees who work in safe, modern mines. An environmental commitment with 50 per cent fewer GHG emissions than other global players, along with mechanisms in place to ensure less water use and reduced waste, making Ca-
112 PotashWorks 2022
Welco Sales Director Michael Stark, President Michael Welch, Vice-President Operations Franco Vignone.
words like teamwork, collaboration,
“We started in metals and mining
to ongoing reliability and uptime. In
information-sharing…
caring.
back in 1971. We’ve handled the chal-
fact, we go even further – we want to
Our potash producers work togeth-
lenges for decades and we stay right
unlock every mine’s maximum pro-
er, and they’re supported by a whole
on top of any new ones as they arise.
duction potential, so we do constant
network of companies whose people
For 50 years we’ve helped our clients
research and training – knowledge
champion our potash industry.
prepare for evolving health, safety,
is power, which leads to strategic
environmental
and
People like Mike Welch, president of Welco in Calgary, who is unequivocal. “It’s why we get up in the morning.
para-
insights and innovations. The world
digms, and helped ensure perfect
is going to need high-quality potash
operations. We feel the best hedge
for many years into the future, and
for the future is foresight – antici-
we’re going to do everything in our
pating, not reacting. That’s the key
power to make sure it’s Canadian.” s
and
market
Our drive is to ensure that we provide the best solution possible. Fifty years later, we’re still doing it, whatever it takes to minimize lost production and maximize equipment performance,” says Welch. “I think the operative word is pro-active. Our goal at Welco is healthy, vital potash operations in Canada for years to
ALL SYSTEMS GO. 50 years delivering optimal process efficiency to our Western Canadian clients.
come, with maximum efficiency that only comes from leading-edge tech,
YOUR PRO-ACTIVE POTASH PARTNER
tech service and equipment.” There’s no denying healthy equipment is a healthy bottom line, and Welco puts hard emphasis on the complete lifecycle of equipment. Their
4C
Maintenance
program
FOR MAXIMUM UPTIME The potash industry has counted on us since 1973. Far beyond distribution, we act as your true partners, providing leading-edge equipment combined with our engineers’ technical expertise, our personal collaboration and analysis, and our top-notch service.
vice centre, by expert technicians.
We know your technical challenges. That’s why our pro-active approach emphasizes complete life-cycle solutions, proper selection/sizing of equipment, planned preventive maintenance and the insights that protect your investment and maximize uptime, process efficiency, quality and safety.
Welco Renew can dismantle equip-
We’ll find your ultimate potash solution. Find out more at welco.ca
keeps equipment in top shape, either in-field or in their 6,470-square-foot ISO-certified factory-authorized ser-
ment and return it back to the manufacturer’s specs. And their Strategic Inventory program warehouses key equipment and parts so that any crucial repairs or replacements can be
Welco 4C Maintenance: Control, Certainty, Coverage and Cost Advantage. Get ongoing reliability through preventative measures and strategically timed intervention Welco 1-year Workmanship Guarantee
handled fast.
Certified Management System
ISO 9001:2015
It’s estimated the world will need to grow 70 per cent more food by 2050. This will require a growing potash industry to meet the world’s demands. Can Canada stay number one in an increasingly competitive
LET’S TALK! CONTACT US! Welco Expediting Ltd. customersolutions@welco.ca Toll Free: 1.888.279.8636 Calgary, Alberta
field of players aggressively looking to expand operations? To sum up, we’ll leave the last word to Welch.
2022 PotashWorks 113
For your mining needs
SLP-100 4x4, 10,000 lb. capacity low-profile (75-inch) ROPS canopy.
S120-4x4, 12,000 lb. capacity, low profile – 85 inches.
S120 4x4, 12,000 lb. capacity, full ROPS Cab, Surface.
For over 50 years, Sellick Equipment Ltd. has been design-
In recent years, through its dealer, Cervus Equipment, Sell-
ing and manufacturing rough-terrain forklifts.
ick Equipment has supplied many of the potash mines in
With the company’s close proximity to the salt mine in Windsor, Ontario, Sellick Equipment was approached to provide both material handling and personnel transport solutions for the underground mine. Some of the early
Saskatchewan with a variety of both surface and underground material handling solutions. A very popular model is the SLP series low-profile forklift that is only 75 inches tall and has ROPS overhead guard protection for the op-
products developed were modifications to forklifts that
erator. This, combined with four-wheel drive, LED lighting,
used to charge holes drilled into the tunnel face with am-
fire suppression systems, and automatic transmissions,
monia nitrate. The machine was referred to as an ANFO
makes the SLP an ideal machine for supplying materials
Rig. Another product built for the mine was the PC-120
throughout the mine.
Personnel Carrier, which was capable of carrying 12 workers and also doubled as an ambulance.
On surface, the larger S series model is popular with capacities ranging from 6,000 to 16,000 pounds. All models
Sellick also found success in mines in Louisiana, Kentucky,
are available with four-wheel drive and come standard with
Ohio, Nevada, and Ontario.
ROPS operator overhead guards. s
114 PotashWorks 2022
Pumps are at the heart of fertilizer production, and correct equipment selection that takes into consideration hydraulic design, materials, application knowledge, duty point and maintenance regime are critical to achieving reliable long-term pumping operation and maximum plant production. As an expert in solutions for corrosive and abrasive liquids, or those with high gas content, Sulzer offers a complete range of pumps, agitators, mixers and compressors for the fertilizer industry. Our innovative products are suitable for the production of potash, phosphate and NPK compound fertilizers as well as acids and industrial chemicals.
Pumping and mixing specialist for the fertilizer industry
Sulzer’s global presence provides local support and expertise through a network of manufacturing facilities and service centers. Our solutions combine energy efficiency, low lifecycle costs, reduced environmental footprints and excellent reliability. Contact us today to learn more. Sulzer Pumps (Canada) Inc. Phone (514) 836-3796, salah.attie@sulzer.com www.sulzer.com
STAND BY SERVICES
CONSULTING
SCBA/ MONITOR RENTALS
TRAINING COURSES: • First Aid CPR/AED • H2S Alive (ESC) • Global Ground Disturbance • Confined Space Entry w/Rescue • Fall Protection • AWP
SERVICES:
High Energy Efficiency and Turndown High Availability | OPEX Savings Reduced Manpower Costs | Non-fouling Technology
• D/A Testing • Respiratory Fit Testing • Onsite Safety • Stand By Medical • Stand By Rescue • Equipment Rentals 2110 E Redbear Ave., Regina, SK S4N 6H9
Phone 306.352.8805
| Fax 306.352.8840
www.armoursafety.com 2022 PotashWorks 115
Improving designs and increasing service life STANDARD MACHINE The potash industry is always looking to find ways to improve on processes and efficiencies and many times these initiatives are driven by necessity. Our potash customer developed a process that improved on the product uniformity which offered a more balanced nutrition for growers, but there was a problem. The equipment used for this process was now experiencing a much shorter than expected service life and repeated early failures. This was a big and very costly problem that needed to be solved which is where Standard Machine was called in to assist. A senior reliability engineer reached out to us and we met at the site. We learned that in producing a new type of granular product that our customer was now dealing with a new type of dust byproduct that seemed to be causing premature damage to the cages used in the equipment process. It was apparent that when you alter a product you are also faced with a set of unforeseen problems and challenges that need to be addressed. Standard Machine has been a supplier of these cages to our potash customer for many years and these cages normally run for years without any need for repair or maintenance. With the new byproduct introduced, these cages were failing after only a few months before needing to be pulled out of service and completely repaired. Not very efficient from a
Worn cage.
cost point of view, and of course more work for their maintenance. At the request of our customer we set to work on providing a solution. We contacted our suppliers and worked closely to find a suitable alternative of hard surfacing that could manage the increased wear of the byproduct on the material. We then redesigned the geometry of the cage and improved the weld procedure to include the new hard surfacing material process. The intention was to significantly reduce the effects of the byproduct on the highest wear areas of the cage. We still need more service time to fully evaluate the success of our solution but with the new cages being in service for several months the feedback has been very positive. We are solution providers, so when a customer is looking to improve production through efficiencies or increase production through redesign, Standard Machine is the logical choice. s
116 PotashWorks 2022
Modified cage.
REGISTER AT pdac.ca/convention
JUNE 13 -15 IN PERSON TORONTO, CANADA
JUNE 28 -29 ONLINE ANYWHERE
Access top-quality programming Reconnect with a diverse community of exhibitors Gain insight from industry experts Valuable networking opportunities
#PDAC2022
INDEX TO advertisers A Year in Review........................................................................................ 18
Mine Supply Company.................................................................................... 81
A&B Rail Services Ltd.................................................................................. 45
MWG Apparel Corp......................................................................................... 13
AMI Supply...................................................................................................... 69
National Steel Car.........................................................................................107
Armour Safety............................................................................................... 115
Nemco Lubricants + Solutions................................................................... 105
Belterra Corporation..................................................................................... 82
Northern Resource Trucking........................................................................ 71
BHP Billiton......................................................................................................27
Nouryon.............................................................................................................. 7
Bit Service Company...................................................................................... 51
Novopro Project Development & Management....................................... 29
Brandt Group of Companies......................................................................... 49
Nutana Machine............................................................................................. 54
Cando Rail & Terminals................................................................................ 99
Park Derochie.................................................................................................. 31
CanNorth Environmental Services............................................................. 65
PCL Construction Manangement Inc..........................................................47
Comairco......................................................................................................... 43
PDAC............................................................................................................... 117
Commercial Sand Blasting & Painting......................................................... 3
Peter Lucas Construction Management.....................................................61
Continental Conveyor Ltd............................................................................. 59
Pocono Fabricators........................................................................................25
Continental Mine & Industrial Supply Ltd..................................................57
Precision Electro Mechanical.......................................................................77
Daam Galvanizing.......................................................................................... 58
Process Combustion Systems Inc.............................................................. 83
Deca Industries....................................................................... Cover, 32 & 33
Q-Line Trucking.............................................................................................. 35
Derrick Corporation.......................................................................................... 4
RESPEC.............................................................................................................. 5
DSG Power Systems......................................................................................97
Richwood..........................................................................................................77
DSI Underground........................................................................................... 95
Rotex Global LLC.................................................................................. 16 & 17
Dynamo Electric............................................................................................. 39
Saskatchewan Research Council................................................................IFC
EECOL Electric................................................................................................ 40
SaskTel.............................................................................................................. 15
Fletcher Mining Equipment...........................................................................75
SaskWater...................................................................................................... 36
FWS Group of Companies............................................................................ 28
Sellick Equipment Ltd.................................................................................... 29
GE Environmental Solutions Inc.................................................................101
Sentrimax Centrifuges Inc........................................................................... 55
GeoResources Risk Solutions Inc............................................................... 52
Soletanche Bachy Canada.............................................................................79
Graham Industrial........................................................................................OBC
Solex Thermal Science.................................................................................. 93
HD Engineering & Design............................................................................ 23
Standard Machine........................................................................................... 21
Hoffman Group............................................................................................... 88
Strato Inc............................................................................................................ 6
Inproheat Industries Ltd.............................................................................. 115
Sulzer Pumps Canada Inc............................................................................ 115
IWL Steel Fabricators Ltd............................................................................. 41
Sumitomo Drive Technologies..................................................................... 59
JA Tech........................................................................................................... 103
Sutton Benefits & Pension.......................................................................... 89
JRL Industrial Hygiene Consulting Service............................................... 52
Tron................................................................................................................. 105
Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd..................................................................87
Venables Machine Works Limited...............................................................111
Kennametal..................................................................................................... 53
Victaulic........................................................................................................... 94
Littelfuse............................................................................................................ 9
Voith Canada Inc............................................................................................ 69
Ludman Industries......................................................................................... 85
Welco Expediting Ltd................................................................................... 113
March Consulting Associates Inc................................................................73
West River Conveyors & Machinery Co......................................................11
McKercher LLP............................................................................................... 63
Westpro Machinery........................................................................................67
118 PotashWorks 2022
DIGITAL
PRESENTS
P otash PRODUCER THE
E-NEWSLETTER | A POTASHWORKS COMPANION
DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, 3X PER YEAR. ode c R Q e h t , scan e n E. o E h R p F r r o u f o e y b Grab bscri u s y l t n e i n and conve
Potash ONLINE DIRECTORY & BUYER’S GUIDE
OVER 500 SEARCHABLE
POTASH LISTINGS. IS YOUR COMPANY LISTED?
potashworks.com