Mosaic’s Belle Plaine mine is the world’s first and largest potash solution mine; it has been in operation since 1964. Belle
Plaine produces white potash crystals in either the pond or the crystallization circuit that are of high purity and are suitable
for industrial use. The plant’s current capacity is 2.8 million metric tonnes per year (Mtpy). Mosaic’s plans are to increase
the capacity to 4.5 Mtpy and ultimately to 4.8 Mtpy by 2020.
Hatch is providing EPCM services for the Stage 2 expansion in which the plant capacity is to increase from 3.5 Mtpy to 4.5
Mtpy.
The scope of this proposed expansion includes upgrades for additional processing capacity, product storage, loadout
facilities, infrastructure and utilities. Hatch performed arena modeling of Belle Plaine’s existing storage and loadout
facilities, which enabled an assessment of rail yard requirements. Hatch is nearing completion of a prefeasibility
assessment, and is planning for the feasibility study, which is scheduled to commence in 2010.
In addition, Hatch has performed other technical services to support sustaining capital projects, and research and
development with advanced simulation technologies.
- Brownfield work was conducted successfully in a brownsfield environment
- Work has been primarily conducted in the Hatch’s Saskatoon office
