Keeping floods at bay

2005 Jun 15

One of the world’s most successful potash operations is located below premium farmland 16 km east of Esterhazy in Saskatchewan, Canada. Here, IMC Esterhazy Canada Limited Partnership operates two mines (K1 and K2) that produce a combined 4.2 million tons (3.63 million tonnes) of potash annually, making IMC a leading producer
of potash in the world.

 

For years, IMC?s potash unit at the K2 mine has had to deal with a persistent influx of water, which threatens the stability of the mine?s structure and the operation?s long-term survival. Bob Morgan, IMC?s superintendent assigned to manage the inflow problem, says no other potash mine in the world has survived the excessive effects of water inflow as well as IMC. ?This is the only potash mine in the world still operating with water problems as extensive as ours,? he says.

Engineering expertise, a culture of continuous improvement and state-ofthe-art equipment and technology have been the keys to success in meeting the challenge. One example is IMC?s decision two years ago to introduce Atlas Copco?s Diamec U6 drilling rig.

Epiroc operated under the trademark “Atlas Copco” prior to January 1, 2018.