Nutrien is the world’s largest soft rock miner and potash producer, with over 20 million tonnes of capacity at our six lower-cost mines in Saskatchewan. With decades of high-quality reserves and completed expansions, we’re positioned to meet the world’s long-term potash needs.
Our program leverages automated and tele-remote mining and other digital technologies to improve safety performance and lower production costs while increasing production.
Our extensive transportation and distribution network — with 5,900 railcars and access to four North American marine terminals — efficiently supplies potash to around 40 countries worldwide.
Potash 101
Potash is the common name given to a group of minerals containing potassium (K) and is essential to all forms of plant and animal life.
Nameplate potash capacity
All in the province of Saskatchewan
Owned or leased railcars
Receive our potash exports
Potash is an essential crop nutrient that contributes to improving crop yields worldwide. Farmers in every major growing region know that applying potash is necessary to protect and restore their soil fertility, and it’s an important part of how Nutrien will feed the future.
Improves root and stem strength, water use, and disease resistance. It also enhances the taste, color, and texture of food.
Aids in animal growth and milk production.
Used in soaps, water softeners, de-icers, drilling muds, and food products.
Potash is mined from deep underground deposits left by ancient inland seas or extracted from salt water bodies.
1. Ore from mine
Potash is mined using two- and four-rotor continuous boring machines.
2. Underground ore storage
Conveyor belts carry ore to underground bins, where it’s stored until transportation to the loading pocket of the shaft hoist.
3. Production hoist
Potash ore is hoisted to the surface through the production shaft.
4. Milling process
5. Finished products and primary uses
Primary distribution methods
Rail and shipping vessels.
Facility tour
Discover more about our potash operations in Saskatchewan and what it’s like at one of our mines.
Nutrien teams have developed AI-powered technology that’s helping to ensure reliable production of a nutrient that’s vital to global food security.
Read the storyNutrien’s Women in Non-Traditional Environments and Roles potash (WiNTER K) employee resource group’s vision is to “normalize women working in the mining industry in any role”.
Read the story