Hi Glenn,
The development of BHP’s Jansen potash mine in Saskatchewan is progressing well. The first phase, which began construction in 2021, is nearly 50% complete and is expected to start production in late 2026. This phase involves an investment of $5.7 billion and is set to produce approximately 4.2 million tonnes of potash annually. The project has been expanded with the approval of a second phase in 2024, which will require an additional $6.4 billion investment. This phase aims to double production capacity to 8.5 million tonnes per year by 2029.
- The current spot prices for potassium chloride (Muriate of Potash) is $278.13 per metric ton (FOB Vancouver).
- In other words this equates to revenue for BHP in excess of $US1bn pa once phase 1 is up and running, i.e. around 2-years time.
Compared to FY24 iron ore revenue of $US28bn its not big in the coming years, especially with iron moving +/- 10% with the weather. Hence we believe it will move the dial in the next decade but not in the next few years.