When BHP’s Jansen potash project reaches production capacity, the mine will have the potential to supply 10 per cent of the world’s potash needs.
Located in Saskatchewan, about 140 km east of Saskatoon, production at Jansen is expected to begin in mid-2027. Once the mine is fully ramped up, Jansen will become one of the world’s largest potash mines, producing about 8.5 million tonnes per year.
The large deposit of potash also creates the opportunity to develop the mine in stages, reaching a peak production of 16 to 17 million tonnes of potash per year.
To realize Jansen’s full potential, BHP is investing $10 billion to build the mine and maximize sustainability. Construction of the mine will create about 5,500 jobs. When operational, the mine will employ about 900 people.
Part of the project is the new Westshore Terminals potash storage building, which will enable the export of 4.5 million tons per year for the manufacture of fertilizer.
The expansion of Westshore Terminals will transform an existing coal terminal into a mixed-use facility. This project, with an investment of more than $1 billion, stems from an agreement signed with BHP to provide port services for the Jansen mine in Saskatchewan, and includes the construction of covered storage areas, railcar unloaders and conveyor belts.
On behalf of Maple Reinders, Sarens is performing heavy lifting of 33 curved double arches weighing 3,300 kg with a length lift radius of more than 21 metres. The arches are composed of glulam arches, beams, purlins, support towers and concrete anchor blocks.
Cranes on site
To undertake the year-long project, Sarens’ engineering team carried out a comprehensive site survey and engineered lift study, leading to the selection of two crawler cranes capable of delivering a lift capacity of 250 tons. Sarens selected the Liebherr LR1300 and Terex Demag CC2400 crawler cranes for the job.
The cranes were selected due to their mobility and lifting capacity. Their ability to move easily around the site made them ideal for the construction environment, and the weight of the timber components being hoisted required the cranes’ lifting capacities. This combination ensured both operational efficiency and safety during installation.
The Liebherr LR 1300 crawler crane is a powerful and adaptable machine engineered for heavy-duty lifting across construction, industrial and infrastructure projects. With a maximum lifting capacity of roughly 300 tonnes and a boom length extending beyond 170 metres when configured with jib options, it provides exceptional height and reach for demanding tasks.
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Advanced safety features, precise load control systems and efficient assembly processes minimize downtime.
The Demag CC 2400 crawler crane is a versatile lattice-boom crane designed for heavy lifting in challenging environments. With a maximum lifting capacity of about 400 tonnes, it offers excellent stability and reach, making it ideal for industrial construction and infrastructure projects. Its modular design allows for quick assembly and disassembly, reducing setup time on job sites. Advanced control systems enhance precision and safety, while robust German engineering ensures reliability, efficiency and long service life for demanding lifting operations.
As well, Sarens used a Tadano 75-ton rough terrain crane and a Tadano 100-ton rough terrain crane, a 120-ton AT crane, as well as a 55-ton boom truck. This equipment, which was selected for its ease of transport, capacity, reach and mobility, was transported to the site from Sarens’ Vancouver branch.
Assembly of the crawler cranes required two days, due to the difficulties of accessing and exiting the site due to the coal port operating on the same premises.
The lifting and installation of each arch was executed through a collaborative effort involving multiple cranes. Each crawler crane was responsible for lifting one half of the arch, while support cranes were utilized to position the support towers and subsequently connect both parts at the peak.
During periods of peak activity, Sarens required upwards of 100 skilled labourers onsite to complete the lifts.
The primary challenge, particularly during the winter season, was the frequent strong winds, which occasionally necessitated the suspension of activities on certain days. Additionally, the site’s limited space and restricted access hindered the logistics process.
Once the expansion is complete in 2026, Westshore Terminals’ facilities at Robert Banks will be able to export.
An essential resource
Potash is a group of potassium-rich minerals extracted from underground deposits or brines, processed to purify the mineral, and used primarily as an essential fertilizer in agriculture. It is able to regulate the osmotic pressure of plants, improves their resistance to disease, and maximizes crop yields. Potash also has applications in the chemical industry for the manufacture of glass, soaps, detergents and other compounds where potassium provides stability and reactivity to materials.
Sarens has extensive experience in Canada, thanks to the broad expertise of its team, its in-depth knowledge of the sector and its portfolio of cranes and modular transports, with multiple projects to its credit.
