BHP’s $20B Canadian potash dilemma: To build or not?

Large mining companies are selling off some of their prized assets after the prolonged global commodities markets rout left some with high levels of debt.

A Saskatoon-based potash company is planning to expand its operations within the province after purchasing two mining leases that could lead to a small production site in south central Saskatchewan.

For private capital mining and metals is the riskiest natural resources sector – but only energy beats the returns.

An official endorsement of such mission would pave the way for several other for-profit space ventures currently in the works.

Most analysts believe the commodities market has turned a corner and that prices are unlikely to return to lows seen in the past year.

Sirius' mine, located beneath a U.K. national park, is set to generate an initial 10 million tonnes per year of polyhalite – a form of potash.

Higher gold prices will push miners to restart or speed up development of projects, leading a fresh wave of mergers and acquisitions in the country, according to BMI Research.

A sharp reversal in metals and minerals prices during May see top mining companies shed billions in market value.

Strong performance also came on the back of strategic initiatives, such as non-core asset sales, aggressive cost control measures and a disciplined approach in reducing debt.