Water Use in Saskatchewan’s Potash Industry and Opportunities for Water Recycling/Conservation

Abstract

Saskatchewan’s ten potash mines consume a significant portion of the Province’s industrial water. Eight mines use surface water, two use ground water, and, since provincial legislation prohibits effluent discharge to surface water, the water is not returned to the environment for other uses. The annual total water consumption of the four mines owned by PCS Mining is presently about 4.5 million cubic metres and the total consumption of the industry in Saskatchewan is estimated to be in the order of 10–15 million cubic metres per year. Major water losses from the potash refining process occur with the discharge of tails, clean up water, and vapour from product dryers, crystallizers, and power boilers. PCS Mining practises some water recycling and there are economic and environmental advantages to increasing the extent of this practice. However, it is a reduction of product loss rather than the cost of water which makes recycling potentially economical. Major opportunities for water recycling/conservation are evaporation of excess brine and reduction of the use of water for clean up purposes.