Manitoba government approves province's first potash development

The Manitoba government has approved the province’s first potash development.

The Manitoba government has approved the province’s first potash development.

Premier Heather Stefanson announced this approval on Tuesday at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference taking place in Toronto.

The premier said this announcement allows the Potash and Agri-Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM) to start extraction and production in western Manitoba, near the community of Russell.

Stefanson added this is a step forward in the government’s commitment to make Manitoba a leader in sustainable mineral development.

“Our government is proud to announce PADCOM has received all required approvals to move Manitoba’s first potash mining operation into production,” she said in a news release.

“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.”

According to the province, PADCOM and Gambler First Nation have created a partnership, with the First Nations community taking part as a 20 per cent equity owner.