A proposed potash export facility at the Port of Grays Harbor will be the topic of discussion at an open house Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Hoquiam High School Commons.

BHP Billiton — the Melbourne, Australia-headquartered global mineral, oil and gas extraction company behind the proposal — will have representatives at the meeting to explain what a potash storage and shipping facility would mean to the economy and citizens of Aberdeen and Hoquiam.

“Economic development and stimulating international trade are two of the Port of Grays Harbor’s top priorities and this project would bring significant economic opportunity to our community, resulting in private investment and job creation,” said Port Commissioner Stan Pinnick. “This open house is a chance for the public to learn more about potash, the proposed export facility at Terminal 3 and the potential economic impacts from company officials. We encourage everyone interested in the project to join us in learning the facts and exploring this opportunity.”

Potash, or potassium chloride, is a naturally occurring mineral and is a key ingredient in agricultural and garden fertilizers. The world’s largest known reserves of potash are located in Saskatchewan, Canada, where BHP is developing the Jansen Potash Project to supply potash to emerging markets such as China, India and Southeast Asia, where economic growth is driving increased agricultural production, according to a statement from the Port.

The open house event will be held 5-7 p.m. at the Hoquiam High School Commons, 501 West Emerson Avenue in Hoquiam, with an overview presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity for questions and discussions at various stations with BHP representatives.

This is the latest step taken by the company to get a feel for how area residents, tribes and others view the possibility of a potash facility in the area; they made a trip to the area to visit with representatives of the City of Hoquiam, local tribes and Grays Harbor County earlier this summer. The project will also require a large number of local, state and federal permits; that is, if the project ultimately gains approval.

The Jansen Mine is not expected to have any product ready for shipping until 2023, at which time it is expected to produce about four million tons of potash a year. Terminal 3 is at the west end of the Port’s property, just east of Bowerman airport.