Belarusian potash giant Belaruskali’s mines operating despite political chaos

LONDON (ICIS)–Belarusian potash giant Belaruskali on Wednesday provided an update on its operations amid political turmoil in the troubled European country, saying three of its four concentration plants are running normally.

The state-owned firm also confirmed that its seven potash mines were operating – although, notably, did not specify to what capacity – and noted that one mine was undergoing scheduled maintenance.

While the news release referred to seven mines, the company’s own website lists only six such mines, though one appears to have a northern section, shown as a “future” facility.

The statement, which was not immediately available in English, said: “It’s impossible to destroy what is achieved by the selfless labour of entire dynasties of miners, by the labour collective.

“The main thing today is to take care of our families, keep the team, [and] maintain the stable operation of the enterprise.

“We work: all seven mines [and] three concentration plants are operating as planned.

“The plant of the first mining administration will continue to operate after the completion of scheduled maintenance work.”

On Tuesday, the producer’s marketing arm Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) confirmed that industrial action meant adjustments to this month’s potash sales plan, but no further details were provided.

BPC’s statement came amid market talk of potential strikes at the mines, and possible disruption to shipments if logistics operations were impacted by civil unrest.

Belaruskali supplies 20% of the world’s annual potash volumes, meaning any lengthy disruption to activities would squeeze supply for grades like standard muriate of potash (MOP) and granular MOP.

Potash is a popular crop nutrient, and comes in various colours. Photo courtesy of BPC.