PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Potash developer Highfield Resources has inked a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with salt distribution company Maxisalt-Paradira Premium for up to 500 000 t/y of salt from the Muga potash mine, in Spain.
The MoU covered 400 000 t/y of vacuum salt, a higher value product, and 100 000 t/y of de-icing salt, both of which are by-products from the Muga mine.
“The signing of a salt offtake MoU with Maxisalt is another very important step in Highfield’s commercialisation strategy,” said chairperson and acting CEO Richard Crookes.
“Maxisalt has developed a key global network and the location of our Muga mine is perfectly positioned to service Maxisalt.
“In addition to this MoU being economically significant, it also reinforces our strong environmental, social and governance focus of maintaining a low environmental footprint at Muga. Responsible removal of salt is a key element in rehabilitating the Muga mine site after production.”
Highfield has been granted a positive environmental approval for the Muga project, and is working towards obtaining the remaining permits, which will enable it to start construction.
The company has an existing MoU with with Switzerland-based agri business Ameropa AG for the sale of 250 000 t/y of muriate of potash (MoP), and the offtake product will be a combination of both standard and granular MoP, with Highfield having the option to increase to 300 000 t/y.