OREANDA-NEWS. August 06, 2015. The Directors of Sirius Minerals Plc (AIM: SXX, OTCQX: SRUXY) ("Sirius" or the "Company") provide an update on the latest results from its ongoing global crop study programme.

This update provides results from soybean trials completed at Texas A&M, and the University of Sao Paulo, plus results from a corn study carried out at North Dakota State University.  Trials demonstrate that polyhalite is an effective fertilizer on both of these major crops and continue to underpin the value of balanced fertilization.  The highlights include:

·     Polyhalite improved soybean yield and bean protein yield by up to 16% over MOP and SOP

·     Corn fertilized with polyhalite improved yields by 3% over MOP + Ammonium Sulphate

·     Polyhalite yields return \\$25/ha more than traditional yields in corn

·     By using polyhalite, 50% less K2O was needed in Texas and 66% less in Brazil to maintain yields

The US and Brazilian soybean markets account for 32% and 30% respectively of an estimated global market worth \\$119 billion.  The equivalent K2O consumption of polyhalite would be 72 million tonnes in the US and 38.2 million tonnes in Brazil.

With regard to corn, the US accounts for 29% of the global corn market, equating to US\\$265 billion annually and consumes 89kg K2O per hectare of corn, equating to 22.3 million tonnes of polyhalite. 

Key findings from the soybean trial in Brazil revealed that polyhalite can deliver equal yields using 66% less K2O, saving farmers \\$31 per hectare.  Trials in Texas also included a potential cost saving by using 50% less K2O and saw yields increase by up to 15%.  Furthermore, there was improved bean protein content; an important quality factor for achieving a higher value crop.

Chris Fraser, Managing Director and CEO of Sirius, commented:

"These trials not only display the potential for polyhalite to provide an increased financial return from higher yields, but also demonstrate important input savings." 

An agronomy update presentation and webcast has been uploaded to the Company website www.siriusminerals.com.

For further information, please contact:

Sirius Minerals Plc

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Email: ir@siriusminerals.com

 

Tel: +44 845 524 0247

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