SASKATOON – BHP celebrated the company’s 140th anniversary alongside partners and employees at the grand opening of its new office at River Quarry in downtown Saskatoon.
“In Jansen, we’re building something special: a potash mine that will provide jobs and economic benefits to the province for generations to come,” said Karina Gistelinck, Asset President Potash, BHP.
“Today’s celebration reinforces our long-term partnership with Saskatchewan and the people who make this province unique.
“For more than 140 years, BHP has been a source of stability and strength.”
“Our years of experience in mining, together with the strength of our relationships here — with governments, partners, suppliers, communities and Indigenous peoples — make us confident we can build a better world together.”
BHP moved into its new office, which is the company’s North American headquarters, in August. The celebration was marked by recognition and gratitude for the company’s employees and partners, who have been instrumental in developing the Jansen potash mine, which is scheduled to begin production in mid-2027.
The day also included a pipe ceremony led by Elder Dexter Asapace and remarks from government officials, including Saskatchewan Minister of Energy and Resources, Colleen Young, and Saskatoon’s Ward 9 representative, Councillor Bev Dubois
“Potash is a major driver of our province’s economy and BHP is playing a significant role in the growth of this important resource,” said Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young.
“We’re pleased to see BHP expanding its presence in downtown Saskatoon with the opening of their office at River Quarry, and we look forward to the Jansen mine strengthening our position as both the world’s leading potash producer and Canada’s largest primary producer of critical minerals.”
Chief Edwin Ananas, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, said he was honoured to be invited to the celebration.
“One hundred and forty years marks a huge milestone for BHP and for them being in Saskatchewan for the last 15 years or so. They’ve made huge strides when it comes to Indigenous involvement and I am very honoured to be a part of that for the last few years, sitting down and discussing opportunities for First Nations,” said Chief Ananas.
“For Beardy’s and Okemasis, I am very proud of where we are today with our partnership with BHP and how they have helped us not only financially, but economically through our partnership agreements.”
Accommodating the workforce of the future
A cornerstone of BHP’s River Quarry 50,000-plus square-foot space is its Integrated Operations Centre — an area providing a 24/7 connection directly to the Jansen mine site. Once production begins, teams will be able to remotely control mine operations from downtown Saskatoon, enabling safer and more productive mining, expanding opportunities for new talent, and supporting a more diverse workforce.
Other unique features at BHP’s new office include culture, spiritual and contemplation rooms for smudging, prayers and other traditions, meeting rooms named after local communities, First Nations, and regions, as well as a room for parents to meet the needs of their children.
“Our new space at River Quarry is more than an office—it’s a workplace designed for the workforce of the future—one that’s diverse, inclusive and connected, and that reflects our local communities—gender-balanced and 20 per cent Indigenous,” said Gistelinck.
