Canadian firm Upcycle Minerals has begun development of its sulfate of potash(SOP) plant in the Kicko region of south-central Saskatchewan. The initiative seeks to convert brines into high value-added fertilizers using proprietary technology with low net carbon emissions.
A fertilizer project
To advance the first stage of the project, Upcycle has retained Stantec Consulting, a global firm with extensive experience in mineral resource exploration and brine development in Western Canada. Stantec will be responsible for preliminary engineering evaluations and other key processes in Upcycle’s multiphase scheme.
The company plans to leverage its potash mining licenses and concessions at Tuxford, Whiteshore and Lydden Lake Alkali as the main input to the process. This feedstock will be treated using a proprietary method that yields SOP as the main product and two marketable co-products: ammonium sulfate(AMS) and precipitated calcium carbonate(PCC).
The SOP fertilizer Upcycle plans to produce is especially valued for its potassium and sulfur content, essential nutrients for chloride-sensitive crops. In addition, Upcycle’s carbon capture makes this development a sustainable alternative to traditional production methods.
Together with the SOP, the AMS and PCC generated open the door to new commercial opportunities. These by-products are widely used in agriculture and in industries such as paper and plastics, strengthening the economic viability of the project.
The implementation will be carried out in two phases: a smaller-scale demonstration plant and, subsequently, a commercial expansion. The objective is to consolidate Upcycle as a green SOP producer with efficient operations, low cost and low carbon footprint.
Source and photo: Upcycle Minerals
