Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30

(a)	Identify the chemical components of a potash ore sample.
(b)	Describe the two methods (i.e., flotation and evaporation) of removing potash from brine solutions.
(c)	Explore the difference between a cooling pond and crystallization processes to evaporate brine and crystallize potash.
(d)	Illustrate the steps in processing potash ore into a range of marketable products.
(e)	Experiment with processes (i.e., crushing and grinding [desliming], flotation, screening, compaction, evaporation, crystallization and drying) used to separate potash ore into component parts.
(f)	Examine how the use of harmful chemicals has changed in potash processing.
(g)	Describe the reprocessing of tailings piles.
(h)	Summarize the steps in processing potash brine into a range of marketable products.
(i)	Describe the difference in processed mineral sizing and colour of final product (pink vs white) and why white potash is often dyed pink.
(j)	Analyze the differences in the steps in processing potash ore and brine to determine their cost and production efficiency.
(k)	Explain why the moisture content of potash is kept below 0.5% for the finished product.
(l)	Explore the advantages and disadvantages of rotary and fluid bed dryers.
(m)	Investigate how the finished products from different potash companies may vary in composition (e.g., size distribution and chemistry).
(n)	Research how innovations in technology improve the efficiency and safety of the milling process.