Agrium Potash Mine Expansion – Saskatchewan

In December 2011, the Calgary based fertilizer producer Agrium approved an expansion at its Vanscoy potash mine in Saskatchewan.  Potash is a major fertilizer and demand for it has been growing in Asia and other parts of the world as farmers are looking to produce higher yields to meet the increasing demand for grain, biofuels and animal feed. SNC-Lavalin and PCL Industrial Management were awarded the engineering and construction work required.

In November of 2012, Bermingham was contacted when sheet piles were proving more difficult than expected to drive.  Bermingham was subcontracted to assist in the installation of a steel sheet pile wall and pipe piles due to its expertise in the field. The strategy in driving the sheet piles was twofold. Bermingham first employed an HPSI 500 to initially install the sheet piles then finished through the harder driving with a Bermingham B32 Diesel Hammer equipped with a hydraulic trip and sheet pile anvil.  The piles were guided with precision using 78-FT of the versatile L18 Vertical Travel Lead system on a Kobelco BM700 crane.

The project was completed in two short months much to the delight of the project manager Andrew Weltz.  Andrew attributes the success of the project to Charlie Archdekin as he maintained a high standard of safety and professionalism.   Bermingham hopes to continue to develop the relationships that it has made with PCL and Agrium into the future.