POTASH INDUSTRY SETS PRODUCTION RECORD

Energy and Mines Minister Eldon Lautermilch announced today 2000 was a record

year for potash production in Saskatchewan.



According to preliminary statistics, Saskatchewan produced 14.3 million tonnes

KCl of potash for 2000, marginally exceeding the record level established in

1998. This amount is up 10 per cent compared with 1999.



"The higher production was a result of strong sales to most of the Saskatchewan

potash industry's major markets in Asia, Latin America and the United States,"

Lautermilch said. "The numbers for both production and sales in 2000 are a

continuation of the strong performance the industry has posted for the past

seven years."



Total potash sales of 14.1 million tonnes KCl in 2000 just missed the record

sales set in 1997, but represented an 11 per cent increase over 1999 sales.



The Saskatchewan potash industry employs over 3,100 people in 10 mines located

throughout southern Saskatchewan.



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For more information, contact:



Maurice Hall

Energy and Mines

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2521