The Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and Investissement Québec are providing a total of $26 million in financial contributions to KSM to support the establishment of a plant to manufacture fertilizers rich in potassium and magnesium in Tring‑Jonction, in the Chaudière‑Appalaches region.
Through this project, valued at nearly $70 million, 45,000 tonnes of agricultural fertilizers are expected to be produced yearly from waste materials from the former Carey mine. Thanks to its innovative technology, which uses a much lower temperature than comparable processes, the business expects to emit 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, and the Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Christopher Skeete, made the announcement today along with the Member for Lotbinière‑Frontenac and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education (fight against violence and bullying among youth and in schools), Isabelle Lecours, and the Member for Beauce‑Nord, Luc Provençal.
The Government of Canada is supporting KSM with a repayable contribution of $5 million under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. For its part, the Government of Quebec is providing a total of $12 million in financial assistance through the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie under the Fonds du développement économique and a $3 million grant under the Technoclimat program of the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs. In addition, Investissement Québec is providing a loan from its capital funds of $6 million for the business.
Quotes
"When we upcycle mining waste to make high-quality fertilizers for our agricultural sector, we call this contributing to the economy of the future. By helping businesses develop processes and procedures that are more environmentally friendly, our government is helping to protect our ecosystem while building a greener, stronger economy. Congratulations to the KSM team on this innovative project that will generate significant economic spin‑offs for the Chaudière‑Appalaches region."
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED
"KSM's production plant in Tring-Jonction will be the first of its kind in the eastern regions of North America. It is a project our government is proud to welcome to our territory. Among other things, it will give Quebec's farmers access to locally produced fertilizers, which will strengthen the sector's supply chain."
Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region
"Establishing this plant will not only stimulate our region's economic vitality but it also represents one step further towards recovering the waste in the Carey mine. We support this project in the circular economy with enthusiasm, as it aligns with the Québec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals."
Isabelle Lecours, Member for Lotbinière‑Frontenac and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education (fight against violence and bullying among youth and in schools)
"The Chaudière‑Appalaches region stands out for its entrepreneurial spirit, and organizations such as KSM actively contribute to this. I am delighted that we can help this homegrown business realize its ambitions and reach the milestone of commercially producing its agricultural fertilizers in a growing market."
Luc Provençal, Member for Beauce‑Nord
"Our team is happy to take part in this important project by KSM in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. By helping to fund this plant that leverages the circular economy, we are fulfilling the exact role we wish to play in sustainable economic development in Quebec. One‑of‑a‑kind in its field in Quebec, KSM will undoubtedly help showcase our expertise on the North American scene."
Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO, Investissement Québec
"Our innovation will give our farmers access to local fertilizers with a low carbon footprint. We are also especially happy to help transform a mining liability into a sustainable asset for the Chaudière‑Appalaches region. It is a source of great pride to see concrete results after years of research, and we thank our partners for making this possible."
David Lemieux, President, KSM
Quick facts
- KSM specializes in the manufacture of agricultural fertilizers rich in potassium and magnesium and low in chloride.
- CED is a key federal player in Quebec to promote economic development in the regions and among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- CED's REGI program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.
- The aim of the Technoclimat is to support technology demonstration projects related to energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec. It is part of Action 2.3.1.1 of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, which aims to boost the emergence of technologies to reduce GHGs throughout the innovation chain.
- The 2030 Plan for a Green Economy supports several measures aimed at technology development projects that contribute concretely to reaching the GHG emissions reduction targets the Government of Quebec has set itself.
