PolyNatura plans to construct a mine near Hobbs in New Mexico to mine, process and manufacture crop nutrient products containing polyhalite. Polyhalite is a naturally occurring mineral salt that contains potash and various sulfates and can be applied directly to as an organic fertilizer with “minimal process”. The mineral is totally water-soluble, containing potassium, magnesium, calcium and sulphur, providing balanced crop nutrition.
“As growers continue to strive for high yields and improved crop quality, polyhalite should be an essential part of their total fertility program,” Raymond Hoyum, an affiliate professor at Auburn University’s College of Agriculture said. The fertilizer products will be mined, processed and manufactured at PolyNatura’s Ochoa Project located about 20 miles west of Jal. PolyNatura signed a deal with national fertilizer company Nitron Group to buy 75 percent of PolyNatura’s production, about 1.5 million tons at peak production between 2019 and 2024. Nitron is one of the globe’s biggest traders and distributors of crop nutrient products, serving 65 countries and reporting 7 million tons of fertilizer sold last year.
“We are excited to partner with one of the most respected names in the global fertilizer industry,” commented PolyNatura Managing Director Graham Wheelock. “Financial strength, geographic reach, and deep industry knowledge make Nitron the ideal partner to distribute our organic fertilizer globally, enabling farmers around the world to improve crop yields and quality.” Nitron President Javier Urrutia commented that the “offtake” agreement will allow his company to provide quality products to clients across the world to meet the growing demand. “This offtake agreement with PolyNatura will enable us to distribute an important organic fertilizer throughout the Americas and other key markets.”
