BC dockers’ strike prompts Nutrien to cut production at potash mine outside Saskatoon

The world’s largest potash producer says it has been hit by the dockers’ strike in British Columbia – and that has implications for Saskatchewan.

On Tuesday, Nutrien Ltd. announced that it has cut production at its Cory potash mine – located west of Saskatoon – due to “loss of export capacity” through Canpotex’s Neptune terminal due to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada strike at the Port of Vancouver.

About 7,400 longshoremen went on strike for higher wages on July 1, disrupting operations in British Columbia ports. The ports are important gateways for exporting Canada’s natural resources and commodities and bringing in raw materials.

Ken Seitz, CEO of Nutrien, hopes that the two parties can come to an agreement soon.

“The outage in the Port of Vancouver has resulted in a curtailment of production at our Cory potash mine and if this continues, it could impact production at our other potash mines in Saskatchewan as well.” Seitz said in a press release.

“We urge the parties to this dispute to reach a resolution quickly to prevent further damage to the Canadian economy.”

A Nutrien spokesperson said in an email to CBC News that the company has no plans to lay off any employees at this time. He added that curtailment of the Cory potash mine means potash production will be slowed down and efforts will be focused on maintenance and investment projects.

Nutrien expects core earnings to fall below the previously forecast range, the press release said.

It blames the strike, lower-than-expected global potash prices and a terminal malfunction at Oregon’s Port of Portland.

The company says it plans to provide an updated guidance for full year 2023 that reflects these impacts with its second-quarter results on Aug. 2.