The World

This potash mine rises like a pink mine from the surrounding prairie. This mine is operating at peak capacity and it’s not enough: world demand has outpaced supply. Expansion is being planned to double production. Potash comes from an ancient seabed which is then crushed and shipped out by truck. Potash provides potassium, one of the key nutrients plants need to grow and thrive. In the past two years, demand for fertilizer has doubled. This potash business leader says potash companies were caught by surprise. There are several reasons behind the boom: a growing middle class in China and India and Brazil means a growing appetite for grain-fed meat, which then requires more fertilizer. This specialist sees no short term relief on the price for potash. The high cost of potash is a boon for companies in potash in Canada.

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