Nutrien Celebrating 65 Years of Potash Mining
Potash plays a vital role in global agriculture, and Saskatchewan is one of North America’s key producers.
Les Frehlich, General Manager of Nutrien’s Allan mine, emphasizes the importance of Saskatchewan’s potash to global food supply. “Potash is essential for preventing disease in crops. Globally, around 70 million tons of potash are used annually, which helps feed eight billion people worldwide. Fertilizer, enriched with potash, is a critical part of that equation.”
Nutrien’s Allan mine has been operating since 1964, and the industry has evolved significantly since then.
“When the mine first started in the 1960s, everything was done manually,” says Kasia McChesney, a process engineer-in-training at the mine. “Now, we’ve seen so many advancements in automation, from how we process materials to how equipment adapts to changing conditions. It’s fascinating to witness.”
In addition to technological improvements, Frehlich highlights the strides made in safety as production expanded. “We’ve grown from producing one million tons per year to three million tons annually, just at the Allan mine. Along with that, the safety culture has vastly improved to keep pace with demand.”
McChesney adds that Nutrien’s long history in the province has made it an integral part of Saskatchewan’s economy and community. “Nutrien is a huge employer here. Across rural Saskatchewan, you see Nutrien retailers, and those are our people. It’s personal—it employs people from all around us.”
Frehlich also underscores the mine’s economic impact. “We have about 680 employees, with a payroll of nearly $40 million, all staying right here in Saskatchewan. These employees are paying taxes and contributing to the local economy. And that’s just one mine.”
Around 95% of Canada’s potash is used in fertilizers, with over half of it exported to markets around the world.
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