POTASH: Process vessel topples at K+S Legacy project

SASKATCHEWAN – A large process vessel fell in the wee hours of Sunday morning causing significant damage to the plant under construction at the Legacy potash project of K+S Potash Canada. The plant near Bethune, 60 km northwest of Regina, was slated to go into production later this year and reach a rate of 2 million t/y by the end of 2017. K+S issued a statement saying the vessel fell due to a "failure" of its support structure. The vessel was being tested at the time. Pictures on the internet purporting to show the damage look as if a large domed cylinder fell several metres through the framework that was supporting it. Only one minor injury was reported, and the work at the plant was stopped temporarily as the appropriate agencies were notified and an investigation begun. The $4.1 billion Legacy potash project includes an underground solution mine and brine treatment plant. It is the first greenfield potash project in the province for almost 40 years. More information about Legacy is available at www.ks-PotashCanada.com/us/legacy/.