LANIGAN — Nutrien, which operates potash production across North America, including a location in Lanigan, has released a statement saying that the invasion of Ukraine may have a short-term impact on the potash market.
Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, and has the world’s largest potash reserves, with 1.1 billion tonnes of potash. Canada accounted for 31.8 per cent of the world’s total in 2020, in contrast to Russia who came in second, supplying 20 per cent.
Nutrien is one of the largest producers of potash by capacity and one of the world’s largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate.
“We cannot predict the specific impact that the conflict will have on our business but we are aware that it may mean diminished volumes of potash, nitrogen, and phosphates for the global market at least in the short term,” said Megan Fielding, Nutrien’s vice-president of brand and culture communications.
“In 2021 we increased potash production by almost 1 million tonnes in response to market demand, and we will increase production of potash, nitrogen, and phosphates in 2022. We will continue to monitor the situation and do our part to ensure our customers get what they need."
Fielding said they hope that the conflict in Eastern Europe can be resolved without further loss of life or violence.
“While Nutrien has no operations in the region, we want to offer our deepest sympathy to any of our colleagues, suppliers, or customers who may have friends or family in the region, as well as to any members of the military that might be deployed to Europe at this time. This region is a key supplier of agriculture, energy and fertilizer products and further unrest or sanctions could impact global trade flows.”
Belarus, the third largest producer in the world, has been under potash sanctions since June 2021. The sanctions were imposed in response to Belarus’ forced landing of a commercial Ryanair flight between Greece and Lithuania on May 23. The Alexander Lukashenko government scrambled fighter jets to land the plane to arrest opposition activist Raman Pratasevich.
In response to that sanction, Nutrien announced it was ramping up production of potash at its six mines. The Lanigan mine was expected to add around 20 new jobs.
Belarus is also involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Potash is primarily used to produce fertilizer
