Canada’s Potash Sector Poised for Growth as Sarens Supports Key Infrastructure Projects

30 Second Takeaway

Canada’s potash sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.7% between 2026 and 2035, driven by rising global fertiliser demand and major infrastructure investments. As expansion projects accelerate, Sarens continues to support the sector through complex heavy lifting operations at potash recovery and export facilities across Canada.

Potash as a Strategic Global Resource

Potash remains a cornerstone of global agriculture, essential for improving crop yields and supporting food security. With global demand expected to rise due to population growth and agricultural intensification, Canada is well positioned as one of the world’s leading potash producers and exporters.

The country’s extensive reserves, advanced logistics infrastructure and comparatively low emissions intensity in production underpin its strategic role in the global fertiliser supply chain.

Market Growth and Major Expansion Projects

The Canadian potash sector is projected to experience sustained growth, with a CAGR of around 5.7% from 2026 to 2035, supported by civil engineering investment and rising export demand.

One of the most significant developments is BHP’s Jansen Mine in Saskatchewan, expected to become one of the world’s largest potash mines by the end of 2026, producing several million tonnes annually. Projects of this scale are reinforcing Canada’s position as a key long-term supplier to global markets.

Engineered Lifting for Potash Recovery Infrastructure

Within this expanding market, Sarens has played an active role in delivering complex heavy lifting solutions for potash-related infrastructure.

One recent operation involved the lifting and installation of a 250-tonne (500,000 lb) walking portal for potash recovery at a new storage facility. Due to uneven leg lengths and an unbalanced weight distribution, the structure required a highly engineered lifting strategy.

To raise the portal upright:

• A 250-ton crane was used on the lighter leg

• A 500-ton crane supported the heavier leg

Once upright, a 440-ton crawler crane and a 330-ton crawler crane worked together to stabilise and position the structure.

A high-capacity special rigging system, sourced from the United States, enabled a controlled transition between lifting points and facilitated the safe 90-degree rotation of the structure during installation.

Supporting Export Capacity at Westshore Terminals

Sarens has also supported the expansion of the potash storage facility at Westshore Terminals in Delta, British Columbia. This strategic project forms part of a USD 1 billion investment linked to BHP’s Jansen Mine and will transform the terminal into a mixed-use facility.

Once completed in 2026, the upgraded terminal will be capable of handling up to 4.5 million tonnes of potash exports per year, significantly strengthening Canada’s export capacity.

As part of the project, Sarens carried out the lifting of 33 double arches, each comprising glulam arches, beams, purlins, support towers and concrete anchor blocks. Each arch featured a 70-foot radius and weighed approximately 80,000 lb.

Multi-Crane Strategy for Large-Scale Construction

Sarens’ engineering team conducted detailed site and lift assessments to select the optimal crane configurations for the Westshore project. The lifting scope utilised a combination of:

• 250-ton crawler cranes

• 100-ton rough-terrain cranes

• 250-ton and 120-ton all-terrain cranes

• 55-ton truck crane

This mixed fleet approach was selected to balance lifting capacity, reach and site mobility, ensuring safe and efficient execution within a constrained terminal environment.

Enabling Long-Term Sector Growth

Through its involvement in both inland recovery infrastructure and coastal export terminals, Sarens contributes directly to the long-term development of Canada’s potash sector. These projects support not only global fertiliser supply chains, but also regional economic growth and employment linked to major resource developments.

About Sarens

Sarens is a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, supporting complex projects across the mining, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. With extensive experience in large-scale resource projects, Sarens delivers engineered solutions tailored to challenging site conditions and demanding project requirements.

Visit website: https://www.sarens.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What growth is expected in Canada’s potash sector?

The sector is forecast to grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.7% between 2026 and 2035.

Why is the Jansen Mine significant?

BHP’s Jansen Mine is expected to become one of the world’s largest potash mines by 2026, producing several million tonnes annually.

What was the walking portal installation?

Sarens installed a 250-tonne walking portal for potash recovery, requiring a multi-crane, highly engineered lifting solution due to uneven weight distribution.

What role does Westshore Terminals play?

The expanded terminal will enable up to 4.5 million tonnes of potash exports per year, supporting Canada’s global supply role.

Why are complex lifting solutions required for potash projects?

Large structures, asymmetrical loads and constrained sites require engineered lifting strategies, specialised rigging and coordinated crane operations.