WINNIPEG, CANADA: BHP Billiton Plc, an Anglo-Australian miner, will cut 76 jobs from its Canadian potash operations due to low commodity
prices, a company spokesperson said.
Work continues on sinking and lining shafts at BHP’s Jansen Saskatchewan potash mine, according to the spokesperson.
The mine would be the world’s biggest if built. Construction has continued even as existing potash producers suffer from weak prices and profits.
BHP, which currently produces other commodities including iron ore and copper, has not yet committed the bulk of the capital needed to build Jansen.
The affected employees and contractors will leave the company between this month and June, the spokesperson said.
“The miner is bearish on the outlook for commodity prices in the long term, but bullish on demand growth based on the rise of Asian economies,” said Andrew Mackenzie, chief executive, BHP.
The company also faces, with partner Vale SA, a $5.2 billion lawsuit from Brazil to clean up after the collapse of a tailings dam.
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