The geology of Canadian potash: A critical mineral for feeding the world
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Abstract
Potash, potassium-bearing water-soluble salt, is the primary global economic source of potassium. Potash is recognized as a critical mineral in Canada as it is the largest source of potassium used in fertilizers. It is essential for global agricultural productivity and food security. Canada is the world’s largest potash exporter with vast deposits in the widely mined Prairie Evaporite of Saskatchewan, which formed in the epicontinental Elk Point Basin during the Middle Devonian. Potash is also found in the Windsor Group of Atlantic Canada where it formed in a series of tectonically active basins during the Mississippian that have undergone substantial post-depositional subsurface alteration and deformation. Potash deposits were mined in New Brunswick up until 2016. Both deposits are salt giants, recording times in the geologic record of extensive and long-lasting evaporite genesis under arid conditions in restricted seas. This paper reviews the geological and economic significance of Canadian potash, including (1) the genesis of each deposit, (2) diagenetic, erosional, and tectonic modification, and (3) exploration and mining in each basin. Underdeveloped regions, possible undiscovered resources, environmental considerations, and the importance of sustainable practices in light of climate change and socioeconomic risks are also addressed.
Suggested Citation
E.J. Matheson, Cocker, M.D., Snyder, M.E., Funk, C., Boehner, R., Yang, C., Nicolas, M., Kruger, N.W., 2025, The geology of Canadian potash: A critical mineral for feeding the world: Facets, v. 10, p. 1-40, https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2024-0363.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The geology of Canadian potash: A critical mineral for feeding the world |
| Series title | Facets |
| DOI | 10.1139/facets-2024-0363 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| Contributing office(s) | Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center |
| Description | 40 p. |
| First page | 1 |
| Last page | 40 |