Canada is the largest producer and exporter of potash. In 1943, potash was discovered in Saskatchewan during the process of drilling for oil. Since then potash has benefitted the economy of Canada and Saskatchewan a great deal, but it is harmful for the environment in many ways. Potash causes issue with land and water. Potash Corp is the world’s largest fertilizer company producing three primary crop nutrients, which includes potash. Potash is great for the economy, but harmful for the environment.
Potash is a mineral commonly found in Canada. Potash refers to potassium compounds and potassium-bearing minerals. The most common type is potassium chloride that is naturally colourless or white, but derives a pink or red colour from various impurities, such as clay. There are 11 potash mines located in Canada, 10 are found in Saskatchewan and one in New Brunswick. Saskatchewan has approximately half of world potash reserves. Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter. About 95 percent of world potash consumption is used in fertilizers, with small amounts used in
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During the extraction phase of potash there is a high risk of water contamination and the water table lowering. Water is used in mining for mineral processing, metal recovery and controlling dust. Water is precious, losing some of it is unpleasant for humans. During the extraction phase of potash there is vegetation and wildlife disturbance. This is ironic as potash is mainly used as fertilizer, but the mining process is disrupting vegetation. During the closure phase miners are trying to reclaim the land, but they end up with long term stability issues, future land use issues and hazardous waste disposal. The land that was mined has a high chance of not being used again and because most mines are 1,200m deep, land is harder to reclaim. Potash mining is unforgiving to the