Two federal ministers were in Saskatoon today (mon) to announce the Government of Canada will help BHP Billiton advance the development of its low emissions potash mine.

BHP will invest more than $7.5 billion in Jansen Stage 1 and anticipates the mine to be operational by 2027, with an initial production capacity of 4.3 to 4.5 million tonnes of potash per year, increasing Canada’s potash production by nearly 22%.

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry says the agreement in principal will mean up to $100 million investment from the federal government via the Strategic Innovation Fund.

This mine, which will be developed in Jansen is expected to generate the lowest direct on-site emissions intensity of any potash mine.