1. Canada
Heading the list of the top potash-producing nations, Canada remains undisputed as the world’s prime producer. Predominantly, the Saskatchewan province holds 50% of the world’s potash reserves. PotashCorp, a significant player in the potash industry, calls Saskatchewan home. By the end of 2024, the country’s potash production crossed over 20 million tonnes, slightly higher than last year’s output.
2. Russia
Russia ranks second, trailing behind Canada. Uralkali and Belaruskali, the major companies operating in Russia, have extensive potash mines. With rich potash deposits in the Verkhnekamskoe deposit, potash production in Russia made a significant increase to reach nearly 7.5 million tonnes in 2024.
3. Belarus
Belarus takes the third spot. Belaruskali, a state-owned company, carries out the primary potash mining in the country. Its operations from Belarusian potash deposits significantly contribute to the local economy and the global potash market, producing nearly 7 million tonnes of potash in 2024.
4. Germany
Known for its high-quality potash, Germany takes the fourth spot. K+S, traditionally one of the key global players, dominates the German potash industry. Although the country faced a slight decline in production due to environmental concerns, it still accounted for over 3.5 million tonnes in 2024.
5. Israel
The Dead Sea region, primarily exploited by Israel Chemicals Ltd, is rich in potash. Despite environmental obstacles and diminishing supply, Israel maintained its position as a significant potash producer, delivering approximately 2.5 million tonnes in 2024.
6. Jordan
Jordan gained fame in the potash industry due to the Dead Sea’s mineral deposits. The Arab Potash Company exploits the majority of these reserves. Over the past year, Jordan managed to maintain steady production with nearly 2 million tonnes in 2024.
7. China
Despite being a large fertilizer consumer, China might be surprising to see as a potash producer. However, due to the massive need for fertilizers in its vast agricultural sector, the country stepped up its potash production, reaching 1.2 million tonnes by the end of 2024.
8. United States
Intrepid Potash, a leading American potash producer, operates three mines across the country. However, U.S. imports most of its potash due to relatively lower domestic production in contrast to its consumption. In 2024, the United States produced nearly 1 million tonnes.
9. Chile
Chile’s potash production largely comes from nitrate deposits rather than the traditional evaporite deposits. SQM, a significant player in Chile, has contributed immensely to the production of potash. In 2024, it resulted in nearly 0.8 million tonnes of output.
10. United Kingdom
Although not traditionally known for potash production, the United Kingdom entered the top 10 potash-producing countries in 2024. Featuring a new mine in North Yorkshire, operated by Sirius Minerals, the UK produced more than 0.6 million tonnes last year.
In summary, global potash production is concentrated in a few key countries due to geological advantages. As the world’s agricultural needs continue to grow, these countries will continue to play a crucial role in the potash industry for years to come.