K+S increases capital expenditures for new potash plant in Canada
April 22, 2013
- Press Release
YOU have a part to play
Find the career you’ve been looking for with K+S! Hear what our employees have to say about working for us. Or if you’re looking for sponsorship or donations, you’re in the right place.
Opportunities with K+S
Thank-you for your interest in a career with K+S Potash Canada! Join our diverse team and share in our success. We are passionate about what we do and we want teammates that share that passion. So bring your skill and expertise to our team where you will enjoy performance-related pay, comprehensive training, development opportunities and much more!
It's not K+S unless it's You+Us.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for within our Current Openings? K+S Potash Canada is growing rapidly and we will have a variety of positions opening soon. We invite you to share your information with us - start a career profile by applying to one of the “Expressions of Interest” in our Future Opportunities section.
Current Openings
| Job Title | Location |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Supervisor | Legacy Site, SK |
| Maintenance Supervisor | Legacy Site, SK |
| Operations Start-up Manager | Legacy Site, SK |
| Operations Training Superintendent | Legacy Site, SK |
| Reliability and Plant Engineering Superintendent | Legacy Site, SK |
| Wellfield Superintendent | Legacy Site, SK |
| Buyer | Saskatoon, SK |
| Manager - Insurance, Liability and Risk | Saskatoon, SK |
| Manager, Geology | Saskatoon, SK |
Future Opportunities
Already have a career profile? Review your account here.
Why build your career with K+S Potash Canada?
At K+S Potash Canada we know that our greatest strength is our employees, and it shows.
From the moment you become part of our diverse team, YOUR opinion matters. Each day you will be engaged for your suggestions, ideas & input and we will utilize the best ideas – your ideas!
Your engagement is key to our success; you will find new, exciting and innovative techniques, tools and practices to make your work challenging and fulfilling.
More than that, you can feel pride in being part of an established, international company, an innovative team. Join us in building a legacy that will have a significant impact on the province of Saskatchewan.
We’re growing Saskatchewan, and welcome YOU to come grow with US.
Why work at K+S?
- The most important aspect for K+S Potash Canada is your health and safety. We provide top notch training and help you pursue certifications to ensure your safety and create a work environment where everyone looks out for each other
- You will enjoy a competitive compensation and incentive program based on contributing to corporate, team and individual success
- Gain excellent development opportunities that will take your career to new heights. Come and learn technical skills in a variety of disciplines, gain certifications and have more than just a “job”. Grow your career through professional designations, ongoing technical courses, training and programs and advancement opportunities.
- An awesome benefits program provides security for you and your family. It includes life, disability, dental, health, vision coverage as well as a pension, vacation program and many other great innovations such as flexible work hours.
US on Us
K+S hires the best we can find, and then we help the best become even better. But don't take our word for it. We asked our staff what it's like working for K+S Potash Canada.
From my first day at K+S I was impressed with the depth of our operations. K+S oversees each element of our process from research to extraction to distribution, and does it efficiently and responsibly. I am proud to be part of a company that delivers value and values environmental sustainability in all that we do, and I'm very proud to be part of the Legacy Project.
Jochen Kirn
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Working for K+S gives me the opportunity to be part of a company that is growing our province. Each day I have the privilege of seeing Aboriginal ideals and perspectives integrated into the fabric of K+S, and I get to work alongside a great team of professional and courteous people!
Terry Bird
First Nations & Métis Business Coordinator
First Nations & Métis Business Coordinator
Sponsorship & Donations
K+S Potash Canada is proud to support the communities in which we live and work.
The three main areas in which we provide support are:
Youth:
The next generation is our legacy and we support community projects and programs for youth that let them grow in the areas of physical fitness and arts and culture; as well as health initiatives focused on research and the wellbeing of all children.
Environmental sustainability:
We value the environment and are happy to support programs and initiatives designed to protect and preserve nature.
Employment and skills training:
A strong community starts from within, and to that end we support projects that encourage skills training, particularly in trades, engineering and geosciences.
Application Process
Please contact K+S with your request for sponsorship or donation and be sure to include as many details as you can so that your application can be processed quickly and efficiently.
K+S Potash Canada
ATTN: Sponsorships and Donations
300-201 21st St E
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 0B8
Or
sponsorships@ks-potashcanada.com
Review Process
We review sponsorship and donation requests as we receive them. Please allow at least 8-12 weeks for your request to be reviewed. We will contact you once we have reached a final decision.
Please note that, unfortunately, K+S Potash Canada will not provide funding to religious groups, religiously affiliated groups, political parties or political fundraising.
Procurement
K+S Potash Canada GP, along with entire K+S Group, strives to ensure that our procurement practices are ethical and uniform.
If you are a vendor interested in becoming pre-qualified with K+S Potash Canada GP, or would like to learn more about our e-procurement program, please visit our emaks site. On the site, you can learn about our bidding system, and find contact information for our K+S Potash Canada and K+S Group procurement teams.
Get to know US
Get to know us. Discover more about K+S and The Legacy Project, and find all the news and resources you need.
About K+S Potash Canada
Growing Saskatchewan – Feeding the World
K+S Potash Canada is part of K+S Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of fertilizers and the world’s leading salt producer, with over a century of mining experience.
K+S is bringing that experience and world-class expertise to work on the Legacy Project potash mine and production facility near Moose Jaw. This project will bring new jobs and new opportunities to the province – an investment in the province and people of Saskatchewan.
Headquartered in downtown Saskatoon, K+S Potash Canada is proud to be part of Saskatchewan’s extraordinary growth!
Vision & Mission
At K+S Potash Canada, our core values are:
- Sustainable Success
- Social Responsibility
- Respect and fairness in dealings with business partners and employees
- Promotion of personal competence in our employees
- Transparency
- Integrity
As a subsidiary of K+S Group, we hold the same vision and mission as our German parent company. Our vision is to be a Source of growth and life through nutrients and minerals
To achieve our vision, and on the basis of our core values, we want:
- to mine and process raw materials and improve nutrition, health, and quality of life with our products and services
- to occupy leading positions in the market
- to be our customers’ preferred partner
- to strengthen our raw material and production base and expand it globally
- to further increase the value added by developing new products and more efficient processes
- to achieve a fair balance of economic, ecological, and social concerns
- to create sustainable values for our stakeholders and take on responsibility in society
- to be an attractive employer for employees around the world
K+S in the Community
Community Involvement
Bethune 100th Anniversary
K+S Potash Canada is the official sponsor of the Bethune 100th Anniversary celebrations, June 29-July 1. Festivities include live entertainment, a parade with pancake breakfast, bounce castles and a petting zoo, a roast beef supper, and a Saturday night Cabaret. In addition, the town will be hosting Canada Day fireworks.
Sports Dinner
January 2012- K+S Potash Canada was the title sponsor of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner at the Heritage Inn
K+S Open House
In May of 2011 K+S held an open house with the residents of Bethune and surrounding communities to talk about the nearby Legacy Project.
Approximately 300 visitors came to the three-hour event where all their questions were answered in-person by a team of senior K+S Executives. Topics ranged from concerns about noise and dust to questions about employment.
“The meeting was a total success and, for us, was one of the first major local events in our communications strategy to develop the new site,” said Richard L. Wilson, President and CEO of K+S Potash Canada.
Leadership
Get to know our management team
Ulrich Lamp
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Ulrich Lamp joined the K+S Group in 1987, after which time he headed the IT department at K+S Aktiengesellschaft, before becoming Managing Director of K+S IT Services GmbH in 2000. Beginning in 2011 Dr. Lamp took over the management of the Legacy Integration, incorporating K+S Potash Canada into the K+S Group. Currently Dr. Lamp serves as President and CEO of K+S Potash Canada. Dr. Lamp is married, and has three children.
Luis E. Mendoza
Chief Financial Officer
Luis Mendoza has been working for the K+S Group for 24 years. In 1988 Luis started with Potash Company of Canada (Potacan) in Toronto as Manager International Sales and later worked for K+S North America (PICC) in New York as Vice President responsible for Accounting/Finance, IT and International Sales. In March 2012 Luis assumes the position of Chief Financial Officer for K+S Potash Canada. Mendoza is married and has 2 sons and one grandson.
Franz X. Spachtholz
Vice President, Engineering and Legacy Project Manager
Franz studied mining engineering at the Universities Clausthal and Aachen in Germany. He received his PhD at the University of Berlin and gives potash mining engineering lectures at the University of Freiberg. Since 1997 he has worked with K+S in different positions on several K+S mines. Since 2002 Franz has worked in the K+S Mining department focusing on expenditures, as well as several optimization and acquisition projects. Franz and his family moved to Saskatoon mid 2011 and are very happy to have found a home in a very exciting neighbourhood.
Terri Uhrich
Vice President Legal
Terri has practised law in-house in a variety of positions for over 15 years, with the last five years in the Saskatchewan mining industry. Before practising law Terri worked in the field of geology for a number of years. Both Terri’s Bachelor of Science degree (with Honours in Geology) and Bachelor of Laws degree are from the University of Saskatchewan. Terri is married with one daughter and two very rambunctious dogs who fill up her spare time.
Kim Poley
Vice President Human Resources
A resident of Saskatchewan all her life, Kim is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and has been a Certified Human Resource Professional since 2002. Prior to joining K+S Kim has worked for both Potash and Uranium mining companies. Kim has also been an active member of numerous local, provincial and national HR associations. Kim divides her spare time driving between horseback riding arenas and hockey rinks with her two children.
Eric Cline
Vice President Corporate Social Activity
Eric Cline joined K+S Potash Canada as Corporate Counsel in April 2012 and was named Vice President, Corporate Social Activity in December 2012. A lifelong resident of Saskatchewan, Eric came to K+S after a successful career in the private practice of law and 16 years' service in the Saskatchewan Legislature including appointments as the province's Minister of Finance and Minister of Industry. Eric holds a Queen's Counsel designation as a lawyer and is active in various community organizations. He and his wife Pauline reside in Saskatoon.
Sam Farris
Vice President and General Manager of Operations
Sam Farris joined K+S Potash Canada in August 2011 as Production Manager, and was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Operations in July 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Thermal Science, both from the University of Saskatchewan. He has over a decade of solution mining experience. He and his wife Lynette, along with their two sons, enjoy taking vacations to unique Canadian destinations where they can camp, hike, bike, and ski.
The Legacy Project
K+S Potash Canada’s Legacy Project is Saskatchewan's first new potash mine in nearly forty years.
A massive undertaking, this new mine will be a major benefit to both the RM of Dufferin and Saskatchewan.
The Legacy Project Overview
Located in the RM of Dufferin #190, near Bethune and Findlater, the Legacy Project is one of the world’s most economically attractive potash projects. The project will contribute to Saskatchewan’s growth through employment, tax revenues, utilities and local partnerships.
At its peak in 2013 the construction workforce will create over 1,100 jobs and roughly 6 million hours of employment. Once in full production the mine will utilize a solution process to remove minerals, and employ 320 workers, as well as ongoing contract employment.
Potash production from the mine is anticipated for 2016, ramping to its full capacity of 2.86 million tonnes per year by 2023. With further expansion, production could increase to as much as 4 million tonnes per year.
Solution Mining
What is Solution Mining?
Solution Mining
Solution mining is the process of mining underground water-soluble minerals by dissolving the minerals with water. The water (called brine) is then extracted from the ground and the minerals are recovered from it.
The process starts by drilling a large borehole down to the layer of minerals in which the potash is found, creating a well. Hot water is then pumped down the borehole where it dissolves the minerals horizontally, eventually forming an underground cavern. Then a second borehole is drilled, approximately 70 – 100 meters away from the first, into the underground cavern.
At this point the production process can begin. Hot water is continuously pumped down one well, where it continues to dissolve the minerals into sodium chloride-rich brine, which is pumped up the second well to the surface.
Once on the surface the brine is processed at our facility where it is evaporated into crystals from which the potash can be easily recovered.
The Legacy Project Timeline
Use the timeline below to learn more about The Legacy Project, from its start right up to the most current event. Be sure to check back for updates in the future.
Key Partners & Suppliers
The Legacy Project could not be successful without the assistance of our valuable partners.
RM of Dufferin #190
Development Agreement
AMEC Americas Inc.
Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Management (EPCM)
Associated Engineering
Design and Project Management, Road Improvements
MGM
Marketing and Communications
March Tron
Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Management (EPCM)
Community and Economic Benefits
K+S Potash Canada is committed to contributing to Saskatchewan’s economic growth, being an active party of the community and being a responsible neighbour.
Economic Growth Impacts
Some of the many economic benefits and opportunities of the Legacy Project include:
- Increased employment, labour incomes, tax base and population of surrounding communities
- New tax revenues from the project at all levels of government (local, provincial and national)
- A construction workforce peaking at around 1,100; approximately 320 permanent jobs when in production
- New business opportunities for Saskatchewan companies supplying goods and services to a major industrial development
Community Engagement
Engaging and involving people who could be or are affected by the Legacy Project is an important part of our business. Since the initial phases of the Legacy Project, building meaningful relationships continues to be a focus.
Examples include:
- The general public (e.g. local communities, landowners, communities of interest, and other members of the public); and
- First Nations and Métis communities.
Engagement activities were initiated in the second quarter of 2008, and are expected to continue throughout the Legacy Project’s life. Engagement activities include presentations, community information sessions, group meetings, one-on-one meetings, site visits, supplier development forums and meetings with First Nations and Métis communities.
Sustainability
K+S takes the long view on any project, in the interest of protecting both people and the environment.
By creating and implementing safety, health and environmental management systems we ensure that protecting people and the environment in integrated into our business and that we are continuously improving our performance. We strive to achieve the best results by using the best practices and the best available and sustainable technologies. Above all, we empower our employees to uphold these commitments, ensuring that we are always safe.
K+S in the News
Get up-to-date news, press releases and media about K+S Potash Canada and The Legacy Project
News
Germany's K+S Group sets its sights on the province
February/March 2012
- BUSINESS View (publication of Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce)
Events
Mining Supply Chain Tradeshow in Moose Jaw
November 2011
- K+S Potash Canada Announces Capital Expenditure Approval
Ground Breaking Ceremony 19 June 2012
K+S Potash Canada celebrated the official Ground Breaking on the Legacy Site
Video of the Ground Breaking Ceremony (1:30 min)
Norbert Steiner, CEO of K+S, during is speech at the Ground Breaking Ceremony
Norbert Steiner, CEO of K+S, during is speech at the Ground Breaking Ceremony in front of about 300 guests
Tim McMillan, Minister of Resources of the province of Saskatchewan during his speech at the GBC
Dr. Ulrich Lamp (first left), incoming CEO and President of K+S Potash Canada, Tim McMillan, Minister of Resources of Saskatchewan (second left), Norbert Steiner ...(Second right), Richard Wilson, outgoing CEO and President of K+S Potash Canada (right) officially break ground on the Legacy Site
Minister of Resources of Saskatchewan, Tim McMillan (left) and Norbert Steiner, CEO of K+S (right) at the GBC
The Legacy construction site with drilling rig in the South of the province of Saskatchewan, aerial view
Contact
General Inquiries
300-201 21st Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0B8, Canada
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Phone Us
Toll Free North America: 1-855-385-8686
Main Saskatoon Phone Line: 306-385-8000
Main Legacy Phone Line: 306-638-2800
Fax Line: 306-986-5252