Nutrien wins awards for mine safety tech

As the future of mining takes shape beneath the prairies of Saskatchewan, Nutrien's innovative use of tele-remote technology is advancing safety in their potash mines and earning prestigious recognition.

This year, Nutrien's Lanigan mine team received the John T. Ryan Mine Safety Technology Award for their commitment to improving underground operations, alongside the National Safety Council's Green Cross for Safety Innovation, recognizing their transformative approach to miner safety.

As the world's largest provider of crop nutrients, inputs, and services, Nutrien plays a critical role in global agricultural productivity. Headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the company operates six potash mines across the province, leading the way in fertilizer production.

With an annual output of over 13 million metric tons of potash, Nutrien's operations ensure a stable supply of this essential resource to boost farming yields worldwide.

Established in 2018 through the merger of PotashCorp and Agrium, Nutrien has become a powerhouse in the agricultural sector, reaching farmers across more than a dozen countries.

The company's potash mines are among the most technologically advanced globally, utilizing innovations like tele-remote mining and automation to enhance safety and productivity.

In addition to potash, Nutrien provides nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, offering a full range of agricultural nutrients while employing over 23,000 people across North America, South America, and Australia – all in support of global food security through sustainable practices.

Recognized for its innovative approach to improving safety, Nutrien received two prestigious awards this year, celebrating the company's advancements in potash operations.

Among Nutrien's six potash mines in Saskatchewan, the Lanigan mine led the way, earning the John T. Ryan Mine Safety Technology Award for successfully deploying tele-remote technology.

This implementation, managed internally by Nutrien's own team rather than relying on third-party solutions, significantly enhanced safety by allowing workers to operate machinery remotely, reducing their exposure to hazardous environments.

"Receiving this national award is an impressive achievement for the Lanigan team," said Lanigan General Manager Rob Jackson. "These awards are highly sought after in Canada and the United States, and winning it shows that we are taking safety seriously and being innovative so that people go home safe every day."

The recognition highlights the safety advancements achieved through tele-remote systems at Lanigan, reflecting Nutrien's commitment to using technology to protect its workers.

"It demonstrates to our employees that they are part of the solution and tells the world about our commitment," said Jackson. "This outstanding collaborative effort across site functions and the entire Potash network shows what we can accomplish when we work toward a common vision."

Alongside this honor, the company also received the National Safety Council's Green Cross for Safety Innovation, highlighting its transformative efforts in mining safety.

"The goal of our automation program has always been, and continues to be, safety," said Potash Operations Senior Vice President Trevor Berg. "It wasn't just about implementing technology but about our own employees collaborating and finding innovative solutions to help make our mines safer. Technology offers great solutions for this. By combining these elements, I believe this is where true success comes in."

By combining technological solutions with a collaborative approach, Nutrien's automation program has not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced working conditions and quality of life for operators – showing that innovation can truly make mining safer and more sustainable.

In addition to receiving these awards, Nutrien also celebrated another significant milestone this year – mining 25 million metric tons using automated systems across its network of potash mines.

"Reaching this milestone feels incredible, and I'm really excited to see where we go from here," said Michael Siourounis, Continuous Improvement Lead at Nutrien's Allan mine.

Having worked with the Lanigan Automation, Monitoring, and Optimization (AMO) team since the project began in 2017, Siourounis emphasized the collaboration and progress made.

"I've worked around the network of mines for the last 14 years, and this tele-remote and AMO project is one of the best collaborations I have been a part of at Nutrien," he said. "The progress we've made is remarkable, and I look forward to what's next."

To mark these accomplishments, Nutrien's Lanigan mine hosted members of the potash automation teams, including frontline borer operators, tradespeople, and their leaders, to recognize their dedication and innovative approach to safety.

"I am immensely proud of our team's work and collaboration over the years," said Berg. "Their willingness to embrace new technologies and continuously improve processes towards the goal of safety sets us apart. External recognition elevates our success and honors the countless hours of hard work put in by everyone."