From Underground to Fields and Farms Globally: Celebrating 65 years of Potash in the Province of Saskatchewan
Editor’s note: This Blog is reprinted with the permission of Nutrien. For more great articles on potash mining and Nutrien’s activities, visit their website: https://www.nutrien.com/what-we-do/stories
For 65 years, Nutrien has been part of the fabric of Saskatchewan. From the first 1,000 tonnes of potash produced at our Patience Lake mine and shipped in 1959 to our position today as the world’s largest potash producer, Nutrien’s legacy demonstrates our deep-rooted connection with Saskatchewan and our commitment to Feeding the Future.
Our six mines across the province have access to the best potash geology in the world highlighting our role as a critical mineral producer essential to global agricultural advancement. Potassium is a critical plant nutrient for growth and productivity, without which plant life is impossible. Potash is a mineral that delivers this important nutrient to crops and, as the world’s leading global producer of potash, Nutrien plays a key role in feeding hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The flexibility afforded by our network of six mines across Saskatchewan allows us to efficiently adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring we meet the needs of a growing global population.
Our focus on sustainability and innovation is embedded in every aspect of our operations. Electric-powered machinery has been a staple in our mines for over 60 years, and today, 76 per cent of our underground horsepower is currently electric, affirming our commitment to sustainable mining operations.
Journey through time: a rich historical legacy
Commitment to the future
Nutrien stands as the largest private sector employer in Saskatchewan, with a workforce of over 4,200 employees, who are at the heart of Nutrien’s mission of Feeding the Future. We are lucky to count multi-generational families who have been born and raised in the province and demonstrate the powerful impact that potash has on the province and its people. Saskatchewan is our home, we’re proud of our Our commitment to Saskatchewan transcends business. In 2023, we partnered with over 280 community organizations, with our employees contributing over 12,000 volunteer hours to organizations aimed at improving the lives of the communities where we live and work. These efforts reflect our Culture of Care and our ambition to create lasting, positive impacts on our communities. Nutrien is not just a company in Saskatchewan, we are a community partner dedicated to contributing to the well-being of everyone in the province.
Our journey is far from over. As we mark 65 years of potash production and celebrate our deep roots in Saskatchewan, we look forward to a future where we continue to support growers, foster economic prosperity, and nurture our communities. The potash we produce in the province is a key component in the crop inputs used to enhance crop yields and quality, directly contributing to improved food security worldwide.
Our future is one of growth, innovation, sustainable mining practices and fostering strong relationships – we are here to stay, committed to Feeding the Future and enhancing the province of Saskatchewan for generations to come. We look forward to the future and want to thank everyone in Saskatchewan that has been with us on this journey for the last 65 years.
About Nutrien
Nutrien is a leading global provider of crop inputs and services. We operate a world-class network of production, distribution and ag retail facilities that positions us to efficiently serve the needs of growers. We focus on creating long-term value by prioritizing investments that strengthen the advantages of our business across the ag value chain and by maintaining access to the resources and the relationships with stakeholders needed to achieve our goals.