Company to invest more than $60 million over the next five years to expand mining capabilities
WINDSOR, ON, July 25, 2016 /CNW/ - K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. today announced it is commencing an expansion of its Ojibway salt mine in Windsor, Ontario as part of the company's commitment to enhance its salt production footprint and capabilities in Canada.
Over the next five years, the company will invest more than $60 million to expand to the next mining level, approximately 400 feet below the current level. As part of the expansion, the company is also converting its mining method and equipment to upgrade to the latest mining technology. This investment will help boost production and extend the life of the mine nearly 50 years, enabling the mine to operate until 2063.
"This is one of the most significant developments in the mine's history," said Mike Soave, manager of the Ojibway salt mine. "As a long-time employer and member of the Windsor community, we are very pleased to have the support of our company and the local union to drive this important expansion forward."
The expansion project is in the final stages of engineering and design. The infrastructure changes needed to expand to the next level will start in 2017 with production ramp up slated for 2018.
The Ojibway salt mine largely produces rock salt used for commercial and consumer deicing purposes to keep Canadian roads, streets and sidewalks clear and safe during the winter season. In addition, the mine produces salt used for various applications including water softening. On an annual basis, the Ojibway salt mine is capable of producing up to 3 million metric tons of salt.
The Ojibway salt mine opened in 1959, as part of The Canadian Salt Company Limited. The company was renamed K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. in 2014. The company is an affiliate of Morton Salt, Inc. and both are part of the K+S Group, the world's largest salt producer.
K+S Windsor Salt employs more than 225 people at its Ojibway salt mine, and more than 800 people across Canada. The company has a comprehensive network of salt production sites throughout the country designed to produce and package salt for consumer and industrial uses.
About K+S Windsor Salt Ltd.
K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. is headquartered in Pointe-Claire (Québec) and employs approximately 800 people across Canada. The company's highly recognizable Windsor brand has been a part of Canadian life since 1893. Today, the Windsor portfolio includes a full range of premium products for consumers, business and industry, from culinary salts and water softening salts to deicing products and pool salts. For more information, please visit www.WindsorSalt.com.
SOURCE Windsor Salt
Image with caption: "Windsor Salt (CNW Group/Windsor Salt)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160725_C4403_PHOTO_EN_740717.jpg
Media Contacts: Lindsay Caradonna, Ketchum Public Relations, 416-355-7413, [email protected]
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