Two federal ministers were in Saskatoon Monday to announce Ottawa will help BHP Billiton advance the development of its low emissions potash mine.

BHP will invest more than 7.5 billion dollars in Jansen Stage 1 and anticipates the mine to be operational by 2027, with an initial production capacity of 4.3 to 4.5 million tonnes of potash per year, increasing Canada’s potash production by nearly 22 percent.

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry agreement in principal will mean up to 100 million dollars investment from the federal government via the Strategic Innovation Fund.

This mine, which will be developed in Jansen is expected to generate the lowest direct on-site emissions intensity of any potash mine.

Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says the potash mine will help farmers around the world feed a growing population and solidify Canada as a major fertilizer producer.

(with files from cjww)