IC Potash Corp. Files Mine Plan of Operations
TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2011 /CNW/ - IC Potash Corp. ('ICP' or the 'Company')
announced today the filing of its Mine Plan of Operations ('MPO') with the United States Bureau of Land Management ('BLM'). The MPO submitted to the BLM provides an in-depth description of the construction, mining, processing, and reclamation operations for the Ochoa Sulphate of Potash project. This report serves as the primary document for mine permitting and will provide the basis for an independent Environmental Impact Statement ('EIS'). The BLM, as the lead federal agency overseeing the permitting of the Ochoa project, is required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act ('NEPA') before the MPO can be approved and construction authorized.The BLM has selected AECOM as the lead independent consultant responsible for the preparation of the EIS. The Company continues moving the Ochoa project forward on track to be the next sulphate of potash ('SOP') mine, with planned production to commence in 2015 and full production in 2016. SOP is a high value add, premium priced potash, and represents the second largest potash market with an estimated six million tonnes of demand per year.
Sidney Himmel, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated: 'The signing of the BLM Memorandum of Understanding announced last month, the currently filed Mine Plan of Operations, and the recent selection of AECOM as the primary independent environmental consulting firm to the BLM represent important steps forward in terms of permitting the Ochoa project. ICP is focused on minimizing the environmental footprint created by the Ochoa project and delivering net benefits to all project stakeholders.'
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including environmental, transportation, facilities, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural and social environments. AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with clients in approximately 125 countries.
Intera Geosciences and Engineering ('Intera') of New Mexico continues to be the primary environmental consultant to the Company and the primary hydrology consultant. Intera is highly experienced in environmental permitting and water resource management related to water supply, quality, rights, transfers, and management. Intera has expertise in the south-western United States with clients including private industry and state, federal, and municipal agencies.
About IC Potash Corp.
IC Potash intends to become a primary producer of Sulphate of Potash ('SOP') by mining its 100% owned potash Ochoa property in New Mexico. IC Potash's Ochoa property consists of over 100,000 acres of federal subsurface potassium prospecting permits and the State of New Mexico Potassium mining leases. IC Potash is focused on being the lowest cost producer of SOP in the world, a market that is six million tonnes per year and growing. SOP is a non-chloride based potash fertilizer that sells at a substantial premium over the price of Muriate of Potash ('MOP'). SOP is a significant fertilizer in the fruit, vegetable, tobacco, potato, and horticultural industries, and for agriculture.
IC Potash Corp.
CONTACT: please visit www.icpotash.com or contact Lisa Faiella at 1 (778)
838-2887 or Sidney Himmel at 1 (416) 624-3781.