Deep-well injection application approved with restrictions

On December 23, 2016 the Kassel regional council approved the continued deep-well injection of saline wastewater from potash production at the Werra plant. The water law permit will be valid from January 1, 2017 until December 31, 2021 and enables an annual volume of 1.5 million cubic meters to be injected – two million cubic meters had been applied for on average for the years 2016 - 2021. The permit also includes a number of ancillary provisions. Assuming a hydrological normal year, full production at the Werra plant should almost be possible in 2017. However, in low water level periods this will remain a major challenge. If the currently prevailing low water level continues, the resumption of full production at the Hattorf site might not initially be possible, despite the approval received. As of 2018, the commissioning of the new KCF processing plant will have a positive impact on the situation regarding disposal.