Potash

Salt production has the potential to yield several high-value byproducts. BCI Minerals is trialling the production of sulphate of potash (SOP) as its first high-value byproduct, supporting Australian food security and global agricultural productivity. SOP is a premium, sustainable fertiliser that is particularly effective in nutrient-poor soils.

Rather than discarding bitterns—a waste product from salt production—BCI plans to convert it into SOP, making Mardie the only Australian operation to produce both salt and SOP on site. SOP contains two essential macronutrients: potassium and sulphur. These support plant growth, improve drought resistance, and enhance crop quality. Unlike Muriate of Potash (MOP), SOP is chloride-free, making it ideal for high-value crops such as avocados, coffee, grapes and cocoa. For this reason, SOP attracts a much higher price point than MOP.

With strong projected earnings and a low-cost production model, BCI is well positioned to take a long-term, measured approach to SOP.

With a long project life, integrated port access and a staged development pathway already underway, Mardie will be the only operation in Australia producing both salt and SOP at commercial scale. This dual output adds significant downstream value and positions BCI as a key contributor to global food security.

BCI is taking a staged and disciplined approach to SOP. Crystalliser ponds and key enabling infrastructure are already built into the base project.

BCI has commenced design work for an SOP pilot plant to be constructed at the Mardie site. The pilot plant will enable end-to-end testing in real-world conditions and allow the business to optimise design parameters before finalising the full-scale solution. BCI is leveraging global experience, including insights from established operations in the United States and China.