Our Approach to Biodiversity

Two considerations shape PotashCorp’s approach to biodiversity:

• Our SHE Policy commits the company to minimize impacts on the environment, which helps preserve biodiversity.
• We meet all federal, state/provincial and local regulatory requirements, which often include enhancing natural biodiversity by creating new habitats. The mining permit process at our potash and phosphate operations requires a detailed environmental impact statement or assessment that explains how PotashCorp will avoid or mitigate impacts on plant and animal species. Public involvement is also part of the permitting process. Our potash sites have recently completed these assessments as part of the permitting process for expanding production.

PotashCorp studies, promotes and monitors biodiversity around our mine sites. In Saskatchewan, operations have had little biodiversity impact other than in approved tailings management areas. Plants and animals are varied and landscapes range from mixed grassland (Allan) to aspen grove vegetation (Rocanville).

We monitor the condition of surface and groundwater at all our Canadian locations. When we lease property at Saskatchewan potash sites to farmers, we typically require detailed lease agreements to ensure environmentally safe farming practices are followed.

The company promotes continuous cropping, does not allow straw burning or breaking of natural habitats, requires grazing limits based on Canadian government guidelines and recommends restoring grasslands when it is sensible.

PotashCorp works with partners to enhance biodiversity. We support Ducks Unlimited in Canada and participate in the Acres for Wildlife program of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.

We actively support government initiatives to promote biodiversity. We participate in the Province of Saskatchewan’s Representative Area Network, a program within the Saskatchewan Biodiversity Action Plan designed to preserve provincial ecosystems.

At our phosphate operations, we manage more than 140,000 acres. Historically, we have mitigated 1.5 acres of wetlands at Aurora and one acre at White Springs for each acre of land disturbed by our mining operations.