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ICL conducts its potash mining operations in Spain through its subsidiary, ICL Iberia Suria & Sallent (IBP). ICL Iberia, whose headquarters are located in Catalonia, is the only producer of salt and potash in Spain. It exports 80% of its production to various countries in the EU, Asia and the Americas. ICL Iberia Suria & Sallent currently operates two mines, in Suria and Sallent, both of which are located in Barcelona province and are approximately 530 to 900 meters below ground. \
Extracting potash from underground mines in Spain is conducted by mining sylvinite, a mixture of potash and salt found in varying concentrations. The potash is then separated from the salt at production plants located near the mines.
ICL is currently progressing with a multi-year project to consolidate its Spanish mines and processing facilities into one complex which will operate a ramp instead of a shaft, thus increasing the mine’s capacity. The project also consists of expanding capacity, adjusting logistics and the construction of a new, deep-water terminal in the Port of Barcelona, as well as other developments.
ICL conducts its mining activities in Spain pursuant to concessions granted to it by the Spanish government. In 2015, in accordance with the provisions of the Spanish Waste Management regulation, ICL Iberia submitted to the Government of Catalonia a mining site restoration plan for its two production sites in Suria and Sallent which included a plan for handling salt deposits and dismantling facilities. The restoration plan for the Suria site is scheduled to extend to 2094 and the Sallent site until 2070. A multi-year program is also underway to restore the salt deposits, while addressing issues such as wastewater drainage and sludge treatment.