Environmental Advantages

PPI aims make The Crescent Junction Project the lowest cost potash producer while using the smallest amount of energy per ton in the industry. Additionally, PPI will consume far less water than other solution mines and most traditional mines. This will all be achieved with a small footprint devoid of problematic tailing piles and crystallization ponds, both of which are prone to leaks and contamination. The Crescent Junction Project will represent a modern production facility capable of meeting todays production needs without the traditional environmental tradeoffs. 

Minimal Waste 

Mining waste, in the form of clay, salt and brine is a significant problem for most conventional and solution mining operations.  In most conventional mining, only ~22% of the material mined constitutes saleable product.  Solution mining has similar waste-management concerns, relying on surface disposal and deep well injection to dispose of unwanted salt from the ore-separation processes.  

In the largest producing area in the world (Saskatchewan, Canada), the salt tailings, insolubles and brines are typically disposed of in large piles on the surface as a slurry. These drain to settling ponds at the base of the pile where the brine is either recirculated to the process or disposed of through deep well injection.   

PPI’s selective-solution mining process, however, will produce minimal salt tailings.  This is because the PPI process will recycle salt-saturated brine into the production cavern rather than accumulating it on the surface as a solid in large piles.  This environmentally friendly process is made possible by innovative patented technology and the properties of the ore body. 

Minimal Water Use 

In conventional and solution mining processes, the use of large quantities of fresh water are required to mine and refine potash. While PPI will rely on some water, its process will make efficient use of water, such as: 

• No water will be lost to evaporation since PPI will not use evaporation ponds in its potash separation process. 
• The innovative process will allow for the continuous reuse and recycle of water in the recovery and cooling processes. 
• Production demands can be met with higher chloride, non-potable water instead of fresh water. This non-potable water might be found below the Crescent Junction lease and it’s use would not result in the depletion of local fresh-water aquifers.

Lower Energy Inputs 

In conventional mining, energy is required to power underground mining machinery to extract ore.  Energy is then used to lift tons of ore and waste salt to the surface crushed, purified and processed.  Standard solution mining also uses a substantial amount of energy to produce potash, generally more than conventional mining.  In solution mining, large amounts of energy are consumed in the heating and cooling processes required for mineral seperation. By utilizing PPI technology, and harnessing the geothermal temperature of the deposit, the Crescent Junction Project will operate on a fraction of the energy consumed by other potash operations. 

Footprint 

The Crescent Junction Project will be the first solution mine of its type that will use modern technology and techniques to effectively mine potash without the need for tailing piles and large ponds systems. This will protect the local habitat as well as preserve the valuable southeastern Utah landscape.