Prices for potash, the important fertilizer ingredient, dropped in 2009 after hitting record highs in 2008.
Potash is the subject of a buyout battle right now, and its outcome is uncertain.
The region is also flush with uranium and potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer.
Potash is the biggest producer of potash and nitrogen and third-biggest maker of phosphate.
FORBES: Potash Thought BHP's Bid Was Too Cheap, Now Its Shares Are Pricey
The farmers need potash too and deals with India are expected before year end.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
The potash market is over 50 million tons per year and growing at 3-4% per annum.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
As time passes, potash will trend from a mere commodity to a strategic asset.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
We can assume that means affirmations of estimated potash reserves, mineral rights, and project costs.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
Behemoth basic material miner BHP Billiton, (NYSE:BHP) previously rebuffed in their attempt to acquire Potash Corp.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
In Friday trading, Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. shares are currently down about 1% on the day.
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan appreciated nearly 20 times in value from early 2004 through midsummer this year.
It consumes around a quarter of the 50m tonnes of potash produced in the world each year.
ECONOMIST: Feeding the world has become a mouth-watering opportunity
And as China produces more of its own fertilizers, Potash risks losing sales to an important customer.
FORBES: Potash Thought BHP's Bid Was Too Cheap, Now Its Shares Are Pricey
Potash estimates that its potash operations represent 17% of global production and 20% of global potash capacity.
FORBES: Head To Canada For Bargains In Fertilizer And Energy
Key point: Potash is the low cost producer and its mines are virtually impossible to replicate.
FORBES: Head To Canada For Bargains In Fertilizer And Energy
The mine's underground equipment, which Cleveland Potash general manager Phil Baines described as "aged", will also be modernised.
Cleveland Potash, which runs the site near Saltburn, said the development would secure the plant for 40 years.
Sirius Minerals want to develop a major geosciences centre at its York Potash project between Whitby and Scarborough.
But in parts of Africa, Russia and Australia, Potash faces many independent producers as well as government enterprises.
FORBES: Potash Thought BHP's Bid Was Too Cheap, Now Its Shares Are Pricey
It also says it expects global demand for potash to increase by about 10% in the coming year.
Chemical and fertilizer manufacturers like Dow and Potash, for example, use gas as a fuel and a feedstock.
While there are never any guarantees, now may be a good time to have a look at Potash.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
At its potash facility, giant tractors scoop up mounds of glistening white mineral-rich brine dried by the desert sun.
But the country is already a big importer of phosphates and especially potash.
ECONOMIST: Feeding the world has become a mouth-watering opportunity
Chemically, potash is potassium chloride (KCl) which is a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
Belarusian Potash Corp. has a monopoly on Russian and Belarusian potash and controls over a third of global exports.
FORBES: How Arizona Is Helping America Reduce Dependence On Foreign Natural Resources
There are twelve countries producing potash, with Canada, Russia, and Belarus accounting for more than 80% of global capacity.
FORBES: Head To Canada For Bargains In Fertilizer And Energy
For instance, though Potash Corp. is tied to the global agriculture market, it has a limited number of potential buyers.
Meantime, Potash investors have received official notice of the offer with a strongly-worded recommendation from the company to reject it.
应用推荐