Mosaic has closed the K1 and K2 potash mine shafts at Esterhazy immediately, due to brine inflows.

The company was going to close both as the transition to K3 continues, but in a release, the company says the brine problem accelerated the process by nine months.

To help offset the drop in production, Mosaic will resume work at the Colonsay mine, and recall workers as soon as practical.

Esterhazy’s K3 mine is expected to be at full capacity next year.

(GX94)