Programme

London, 15 June 2017

9:30-16:30 followed by drinks reception until 18:00

Programme

Potash is a key plant nutrient that underpins crop production.   There is a well-established mining industry that produces 'muriate of potash' (KCl), and this supports agricultural production in the industrialised economies of the world.  However, KCl is not necessarily ideal for some soils, such as deeply leached tropical soils, and many farmers simply cannot afford the combined cost of the material and transport from ports.

In these circumstances, the 2nd International Workshop on Alternative Potash provides an opportunity to bring together industry, policy makers, academics and aid agencies with the intention of sharing perspectives on potash as demand grows in line with rising populations and increasing prosperity.   Guest speakers will provide an expert view, with volunteered presentations describing specific aspects of potash production and use.

The Workshop will be held at the Geological Society in Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, conveniently located for the head offices of global mining and finance houses as well as other international organisations and those involved in policy.

Refer to Schedule for full details of the Programme

Schedule

Please note the schedule may be subject to change.

09:00 Registration

Justification - why do we need alternative K?

  • 09:30 Introduction: Why do we need alternative potash? [Abstract]
    • Prof David Manning (Newcastle University)
  • 09:50 Potassium fertilisers and development: review of major approaches to improve supply [Abstract]
    • Dr Natalia Yakovleva (Newcastle University, London)
  • 10:10 Potassium in Tanzanian soils: an emerging problem [Abstract]
    • Dr Andrew Msolla (African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP))
    • Presented by Leonard Kalindekafe (Malawi University of Science and Technology)
  • 10:30 Regional agrominerals as support to Evergreen Revolution [Abstract]
    • Dr Eder Martins (EMBRAPA)
  • 10:50 Break

Silicate products

  • 11:10 Nepheline syenite's potential as alternative potash source for Malawi [Abstract]
    • Annock Chiwona (Newcastle University)
  • 11:30 Ultrapotassic syenites: an alternative K-source worldwide [Abstract]
    • Marcelo Oliveira (Advanced Potash Technologies)
  • 11:50 Hydrothermal alteration of ultrapotassic syenite as affordable option to potash supplies in the tropics [Abstract]
    • Dr Davide Ciceri  (MIT)
  • 12:10 HydroPotash - a disruptive technological development [Abstract]
    • Ingo Wender (Advanced Potash Technologies)
  • 12:30 Lunch

Experience from use of alternative potash

  • 13:30 Phonolite as source of potash with results comparable to high water soluble potash [Abstract]
    • Rafael Curimbaba (Grupo Curimbaba)
  • 13:50 Polyhalite as an alternative potash source in Brazil [Abstract]
    • Robert Meakin (Sirius Minerals)
  • 14:10 Polyhalite effectiveness as an alternative potash source in Tanzania [Abstract]
    • Robert Meakin (Sirius Minerals)
  • 14:30 K-minerals: the backbone of acid neutralization in Dutch nature reserves [Abstract]
    • Huig Bergsma (BodemBergsma)
  • 14:50 Break

Discussion and ways forward

  • 15:00 Open discussion
    • Panel
  • 16:15 Wrap-up
    • Dr Mike Armitage (SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd)
  • 16:30-18:00 Drinks Reception at the Society of Antiquaries of London, Burlington House

Poster presentations

  • Urban areas and the global flow of potassium [abstract]
    • Oliver Heidrich (Newcastle University)

Abstracts

Speakers

Poster presentation

  • Dr Oliver Heidrich
    • Senior Researcher in Urban Resource Modelling
    • Newcastle University

 

Organising Committee

  • Professor David Manning: Chair
    • Professor of Soil Science
    • Newcastle University
  • Dr Oliver Heidrich
    • Senior Researcher in Urban Resource Modelling
    • Newcastle University
  • Dr Antoine Allanore
    • Professor
    • Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT
  • Dr Davide Ciceri
    • Research Scientist
    • Allanore Research Group, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT

External Links

Africa's Potash Problem: World Economic Forum