Community Update

Potash is a critical mineral to Canada and is one of the two Canadian resources handled and shipped from Neptune Terminals.

So what is potash? It’s the common name given to a group of potassium-rich minerals typically used in agriculture to boost plant growth. Today, over 90% of potash produced in Canada is used in agricultural fertilizer—because crops perform better in nutrient-rich soil.

Commercial fertilizers, including those you buy to help your garden flowers or vegetables, typically contain three nutrients that help plants grow in different, yet important, ways:

• Nitrogen: supports the growth of leaves;
• Phosphorus: supports root growth, as well as flower and fruit development; and
• Potassium (from potash): a nutrient that improves overall plant health

In order to keep up with the global demand for potash, Neptune is undertaking an important upgrade to its existing potash shiploaders. The current shiploaders are over 50 years old and have reached the end of their functional life. Neptune engaged the community in an important conversation around this work from September 27 through to October 26, 2023. A detailed report summarizing engagement activities and feedback, and more information about potash, is available here.