POTASH NAMED AS OFFICIAL MINERAL OF SASKATCHEWAN

Released on February 9, 1996

Energy and Mines Minister Eldon Lautermilch today announced the selection
of sylvite, or potash as it is commonly known, as our province's official
mineral.

"It is only fitting to recognize potash as Saskatchewan's official
mineral as our province is the world leader in the mining of this
mineral," Lautermilch said. "This announcement follows a banner year for
the Saskatchewan potash industry, a year in which sales and production
records were set."

Lautermilch said the declaration of an official mineral was first
suggested by the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA). Saskatchewan
Energy and Mines and the SMA launched a joint campaign called
"Saskatchewan Rocks" which invited grade seven and eight students from
across the province to submit a report recommending the mineral they felt
best represented our province. The winning report was submitted by the
grade eight science class of Anita Turnbull from Kerrobert Composite
School. The mineral now becomes an official provincial emblem along with
the white birch, the prairie sharp-tailed grouse and the western red
lily.

"Mrs. Turnbull's class came to the conclusion that potash should become
Saskatchewan's official mineral and I could not agree more. Potash is a
vital part of our province's mining industry," Lautermilch said.

Ten potash mines operate in Saskatchewan, employing approximately 3,000
people. Annual sales for 1995 were valued at $1.2 billion which created
significant economic spinoffs for related industries such as trucking and
mine services. The Saskatchewan industry is the largest producer and
exporter of potash in the world, with reserves expected to last for
hundreds of years given current rates of production.

Potash is the term commonly used for ore composed of three minerals:
sylvite, carnallite and halite. In Saskatchewan, the ore is largely made
up of sylvite and halite. The salmon pink colour of potash is caused by
impurities such as iron oxides and clay. During the refining process,
sylvite is separated from the halite and impurities. The sylvite is then
sold as the common potassium fertilizer known as potash.

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For more information, contact

Maurice Hall
Director, Industrial Minerals Branch
Energy and Mines
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-2521