BHP says it expects to present the Jansen Stage 1 potash project in Saskatchewan to the Board for Final Investment Decision in the middle of the 2021 calendar year. This, after delays in completion of mine shafts. The delays have been the result of initial challenges with placement of the shaft lining, which have since been rectified, and because of the impact of the company’s COVID-19 response plan.

The forecast capital cost for Stage 1 is between $5.3 and $5.7 billion however some additional costs are now expected to be incurred on the U.S. $2.7 billion shaft project currently in execution as a result of the delays. BHP says this is under review. The project is 86 per cent complete. It had been at 84 per cent complete a year ago.

Jansen Potash is 100 owned by BHP. The mine is located near Humboldt. The company has said in the past that they are taking their time with the Jansen operation as it compete for internal resources in a company that also deals in iron ore, copper, coal and petroleum.
[gw aug 18 2020]