The project has an in-situ resource of 3.37-billion tons, at 25.4% potassium oxide, BHP, the world's biggest mining company
this is what trh have from 30 old oil and gas wells
Paradox Basin Exploration Target increases to 3.4 to 5.2 billion tonnes of sylvinite ore at an average grade of 23% to 34% KCl.
BHP is still investigating the economic feasibility of Jansen, which analysts expect will cost roughly $US13 billion ($12bn) to build to its full capacity.
BHP's promises about Jansen's future were an issue in the company's failed $US39bn hostile takeover of Potash Corp of Saskatchewan last year.
Potash Corp chief executive Bill Doyle questioned whether BHP was serious about building the Jansen mine, given the high start-up costs, or whether it was just a ploy designed to gain support for a takeover of Potash Corp.
A final investment decision on Jansen will come from BHP's board of directors in the first half of next year. In the meantime, the company announced earlier this week is would spend $US488 million to advance the economic feasibility study.
If it gets the go-ahead, Jansen is expected to begin producing potash in 2015, ramping up to 8 million metric tons of production a year over a lifespan of 70 years.
"We are pleased to have received ministerial approval for Jansen," BHP Diamonds and Specialty Products president Tim Cutt said.
"As we seek to build a world-class potash business based in Saskatchewan we believe we can create substantial opportunities that benefit the communities that host our projects, as well as the province."