OREANDA-NEWS. March 26, 2012. The state-owned Belarusian OJSC Belaruskali reported a 15% decline in potash fertilizer export in Jan-Feb 2011 to 1.5 million tonnes, a company manager told reporters .

The world’s leading producers reported a decline in potash exports, so it is a global trend, the official said.

As soon the situation improves, Belaruskali is ready to accelerate exports. In the meantime, the reduced demand for potash fertilizer prompted Belaruskali an idea to close one of its mining sectors for capital repairs. In January they put in hold mining sector #3 and sector #2 was closed down in February. The plan is intended to optimize potash inventories. Starting March 5, 2012, all four mining department of Belaruskali will be operating at full capacity.

Belaruskali exported around 7.7 million tonnes of potash fertilizer in 2011, worth USD 3.2 billion, to compare with 6.8 million tonnes and USD 2.06 billion in 2010, respectively.

The state-owned Belarusian OJSC Belaruskali is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of potash fertilizers, employing about 18,440 personnel. It operates the Starobinskoye potash salts deposit and comprises four mine groups, auxiliary shops and support units.

Belaruskali controls 16% of the world’s potash fertilizer market.

The government of Belarus assessed the 100% stake in state-owned OJSC Belaruskali at USD 30 billion.