The paperwork stack for the process of a proposed potash mine in south-central Saskatchewan just got reasonably lighter.

Gensource Potash Corp is looking to build near the communities of Eyebrow and Tugaske. Due to the potential building being significantly more environmentally friendly than others of its kind, the provincial government decided that it wasn't necessary for the Saskatoon-based company to complete that portion of the process. 

"We've received word from the Ministry of Environment that our project has been deemed to be not a development. What that allows us to do is take the work that we've done for the past year and a half or so and proceed now to the detailed construction level licensing process."

He noted that being earth conscious was why they ultimately got the pass on the piece of the process and can put their efforts and attention on continuing to move forward. 

"What we're doing here is very different from your typical potash mine. These are very, very small, environmentally friendly and very efficient operations, we see them as the future of potash mining. We create no salt tailings, we have no brine ponds, our environmental footprint diminishes significantly compared to traditional potash mines."

Despite leaping over a major hurdle, Ferguson said they don't see the completion date bumping up any sooner. 

"The overall completion date remains the same. We look to get into the drilling of our underground caverns over the winter on frozen ground and get into surface construction next year. Which will allow for a startup and first production mid to late 2020."

Throughout the building phase of the mine, Ferguson said at the peak of construction they'll have about 150 people hired and once the facility is completed, there will be just under 50 full-time potential jobs.