Potash poised to take on global competition. (Potash).

However, people should realize this standing does not afford Saskatchewan producers a monopoly over the industry.

"We are a dominant player," agrees Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) Potash Section Chairman Kelvin Dereski. "But we don't control the worldmarket.

"We compete on a global level. We've got to stay competitive and be as cost-effective as possible to ensure we maintain a bright future for potash in this province.

A perfect illustration of Dereski's point is found in performance results from 2001. Compared to 2000 Saskatchewan's potash industry saw a decrease in overall production of 6-8 per cent. The industry saw some layoffs and one need look no further than lower export volume to account for the drop off in production.

The state of the economies of South America and lost sales into China due to pricing competition from Russia all contributed to a slow period in Saskatchewan potash production.

"Russia's definitely a very big player in the potash industry and have a history of swinging the world supply and demand balance," Dereski explains. "They're the second-largest producer of potash and our largest competitor. They often under bid us on price over the short term to gain market share."

Even though 2001 wasn't a record year for production Dereski believes there won't be a long-term downturn in the industry. The South American markets are rebounding as the global economy strengthens as a whole.

"2002 is looking a whole lot brighter," he says, pointing to revitalized sales and the recent Canpotex deal to send 1.3 million metric tonnes of potash to China in the first half of 2002.

Production volumes and sales prices are critical factors in the success of potash mining, but just as important are the safety statistics.

"From a potash mining perspective, good safety is good business," Dereski states. "There's a very strong focus and commitment to safety in our industry."

General Manager at IMC Potash Colonsay, Dereski spends 25-50 per cent of his time on safety-related issues, a level of dedication echoed throughout the industry. This tremendous amount of attention has pushed the lost-time accident frequency rate below one, ranking potash mining in the top quarter of safest businesses in Saskatchewan.

"To put that number in perspective it means there is less than one lost-time accident for every 200,000 hours on the job, or less than one lost-time accident in a year for every 100 full-time workers," Dereski enumerates.

"As safe as the potash industry is, we're striving to take that number even lower."

Dereski points to specific initiatives the potash industry has targeted to push the accident frequency rate even closer to zero: A co-operative industry-government approach to developing new mine safety regulations; potash companies' active involvement in National Diesel Emission Evaluation Programs designed to study and recommend methods to reduce underground emission levels; and two geology-based scientific initiatives to make underground potash mining safer -- enhanced three-dimensional seismic interpretation along with research and development on electronic ground monitoring to help identify trouble spots and areas where extra care and attention must be taken.

"We're trying to develop technology that will help us avoid problems," Dereksi says, adding increased co-operation from employees in the workplace is vital to reducing accident rates.

The industry stresses a never-ending focus on safety training and on-the-job safety auditing, both for new and longtime employees.

"If everyone takes their safety responsibility seriously an injury-free workplace is possible," Dereski says.

Educating the public on mine safety and on all facets of potash mining raises the industry's profile and creates even stronger links to local communities. Dereski believes potash mining's significance to provincial economic development and employment cannot be overstated.

"There has long been a certain phobia about the dangers associated with underground mining. It's important to educate people that potash mining is a safe industry," Dereski says.

"We also have to let people know potash mining is an important part of Saskatchewan's future that will provide secure career opportunities for their sons and daughters for many years to come."