Manitoba could soon be getting its first potash mine.
The provincial government announced formal approval recently to allow the Potash and Agri-Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM) to start extraction and production in western Manitoba near Russell.
Premier Heather Stefanson made the announcement in Toronto June 14 at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.
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“Our government is proud to announce PADCOM has received all required approvals to move Manitoba’s first potash mining operation into production,” Stefanson said. “We are working with Indigenous leadership and communities to promote participation in the mineral resource sectors and to ensure communities share in the benefits that result from growth in these sectors.”
PADCOM is partnering with Gambler First Nation, which is a 20 per cent equity owner in the venture.
“We are pleased to partner with PADCOM on this landmark project, which will create jobs and help spark further economic development opportunities in our community,” said Chief David LeDoux, Gambler First Nation, in a media release.
PADCOM will also present community benefit agreements to several Indigenous communities in the area, the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Municipality of Russell-Binscarth.
So far two exploration wells have been drilled near the community of Harrowby. The environmental approval and signing of a mineral lease with the province now allows PADCOM to proceed to the production phase.
“This operation will use a more environmentally friendly mining process,” said Daymon Guillas, president, PADCOM. “The physical footprint is small and the process will be using green Manitoba electricity, not fossil fuels.”
