CN, CPKC sign separate transport deals with BHP to move Jansen potash to West Coast

CN and CPKC have each signed separate transportation agreements with BHP to move potash from the Jansen Potash Mine in Saskatchewan to export terminals on Canada’s West Coast, as the major project prepares for first production in 2027.

The agreements will support the movement of potash from the Jansen Potash Mine to global markets through Vancouver export facilities, including Westshore Terminals.

“Jansen is the most significant investment in Saskatchewan and a transformative project for North America’s agricultural supply chain,” Janet Drysdale, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, CN. “CN is proud to partner with BHP and help connect Canadian potash producers to customers around the world. Our network and transportation solution expertise, we will provide reliable and sustainable service supporting the global food production supply chain and strengthen Canada’s position as a leading exporter of critical resources.”

CN said its agreement with BHP will leverage its nearly 20,000-mile rail network to move potash from Saskatchewan to West Coast export gateways. The arrangement supports initial production at Jansen and reinforces CN’s role in connecting Canadian resource producers to international markets.

“Potash is one of Canada’s most important export commodities, and the Jansen project is expected to become a significant new source of supply for global agricultural markets,” Sandra Ellis, vice-president, bulk, CN. “CN’s network provides the reach, capacity and resilience needed to move these products efficiently from mine to port. We look forward to working closely with BHP as production ramps up and new supply chains are established to help support farmers and feed a growing world.”

Separately, BHP said it has also reached a transportation agreement with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), under which the railway will provide service to Jansen using BHP-owned railcars. CPKC will operate unit trains between the mine and Westshore Terminals in Vancouver under an initial term of approximately four years, supporting Stage 1 production, with a future arrangement expected to align with later phases of the project.

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with BHP as they expand into the potash market,” said Keith Creel, president and CEO for CPKC. “Leveraging our position as the premiere shipper of potash in North America, we look forward to providing our industry-leading service to BHP helping to drive innovation and reliability across the potash supply chain.”

Production at Jansen is expected to begin in mid-2027. The project is located approximately 7.5 miles north of CPKC’s Sutherland Subdivision.

“This is an exciting step forward as we prepare Jansen for first production,” said Karina Gistelinck, asset president, potash, BHP, said in the company’s announcement.

The parallel agreements position both CN and CPKC as key rail providers for one of North America’s largest emerging potash developments, which is expected to play a long-term role in global fertilizer supply chains and food production.