SaskPolytech Launches $900,000 Initiative to Innovate Mining Byproducts

SaskPolytech has initiated three groundbreaking research projects aimed at finding innovative uses for mining byproducts, particularly in the potash industry. Announced on March 15, 2024, these projects have been made possible through a substantial investment of $900,000 from the federal government via PrairiesCan. The initiative underscores Canada’s commitment to addressing the environmental challenges posed by mining operations.

Canada is home to 11 potash mines, all located in Saskatchewan. While potash is primarily utilized as a fertilizer, it has diverse applications, including in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and as an alternative to de-icing salt. However, the mining process generates tailings—piles of leftover material high in salt. These tailings can create environmental hazards, particularly when rainwater mixes with them, forming brine that can damage soil and water sources.

Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, emphasized the significance of this sector, stating, “Canada has what the world wants — and our mining and critical minerals sector is ready to deliver.” She noted that the initiatives will foster innovation, support job creation, and contribute to a robust economy.

Research Projects Target Sustainable Solutions

The three projects will explore different methods to repurpose mining byproducts effectively. One project will investigate the potential of combining potash tailings, fly ash, and kraft lignin to create sustainable building materials. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is already used in concrete to enhance its strength and durability. Kraft lignin, derived from the kraft pulping process, serves as a versatile material in composites and can replace fossil fuels.

Dr. Abu Kamal, a researcher at SaskPolytech, leads this project. He will also supervise a second initiative that focuses on the application of potash tailings in composting, which aims to return essential nutrients back to the environment.

The third project will examine the use of electromagnetic frequencies to develop an imaging system capable of penetrating beyond the visible layers of a potash mine. This research aims to identify how different soil types interact with electromagnetic radiation and to determine the most effective frequency ranges for mining applications. Dr. Abdul Raour, another prominent researcher at SaskPolytech, will assist in this effort.

Collaborative Efforts Across Western Canada

These projects are part of a broader collaboration involving multiple polytechnical institutions across western Canada. The initiative, known as the Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems, or P2INACLE, includes partners such as NAIT, SAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, and RRC Polytech.

Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, remarked on the importance of partnerships between industry and educational institutions. He stated, “When industry and our post-secondaries work together, we solve real problems — quicker, safer, cleaner.” This collaborative approach aims to drive innovation in mining, benefiting both workers and local communities.

As these projects unfold, they reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices in the mining sector. By addressing the environmental impact of mining byproducts, SaskPolytech and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable future in resource extraction. The outcomes of these initiatives could have lasting implications for both the economy and the environment in Saskatchewan and beyond.