Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals is diversifying its product line.

The company produces sodium sulphate at its Chaplin facility, about 85 kilometres west of Moose Jaw. One of its customers is a sulphate of potash (SOP) production facility at Wynyard. When the U.S.-based owner wanted to sell the Wynyard operation, Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals stepped forward.

SOP is a fertilizer that is used on irrigated land that grows vegetables and fruits. It can also be applied on fields with higher salinity that are common in drier areas.

Company president Rodney McCann says the acquisition doubles the current business footprint. There are also longer term plans to build a 50,000 to 100,000-ton SOP production facility at the Chaplin location.

The Wynyard facility will be called Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals (Big Quill) in recognition of the company’s original name.

(photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals)