Intrepid Is the Only U.S. Potash Producer
Having reliable, secure supplies of natural resources is critical for the U.S., and we are proud to be the only domestic producer of muriate of potash (“potash” or “potassium chloride”). In 2024, we supplied approximately 3.5% of the U.S.’s total potassium consumption. Moreover, the proximity of our mines to our customers provides us with transportation and logistics advantages, which allows us to obtain a higher average net realized sales price per ton compared to our peers.
Delivering on Key Strategic Priority: Increasing Our Potash Production
Over the past two years, our key strategic priority has been to revitalize our potash assets to reverse the declining production trend. This involved numerous projects at our HB, Moab, and Wendover facilities, with the key goals being twofold: first, help maximize our brine availability; and second, increase our residence time to develop higher-grade brine. Successfully accomplishing both goals leads to higher potash production, which drives top-line growth through increased sales volumes, but more importantly, also leads to a significant improvement in our unit economics.
Improving Our Unit Economics & We Have Other Opportunities for
Growth
In 2024, we delivered approximately 32% higher potash production compared to 2023, with further production increases expected in the coming years. Our unit economics showed meaningful improvements in the second half of 2024, with this trend expected to continue at higher production levels. Intrepid remains focused on strong operational execution and cost discipline, while our byproduct business lines and lithium project at Wendover potentially provide opportunities for growth.
Strong Balance Sheet & Liquidity Position
Intrepid has no long-term debt and solid liquidity with an untapped $150 million credit facility that matures in August 2027. This positioning offers protection during downcycles, while allowing Intrepid to take full advantage of upcycles. A debt-free balance sheet also creates capital optionality, with the excess cash being available for growth projects or capital return to shareholders.
Long-Life Reserves & Resources Lowers Terminal Value Risk
Our potash reserves and resources have substantial years of reserve life and resource life. Reserve life is based on the current mine plan and is estimated at 25 years for all our potash facilities, while the resource life at our potash facilities ranges from 33 years to over 100 years. In addition to our reserves, we have water rights and access to additional mineralized areas of potash for potential future exploitation. (Please note this data is as of the 2024 Form 10-K.)
Our Fertilizer Products Are Vital for Food Production
Potash and Trio® (which is potassium, magnesium, and sulfate in a single particle) are essential fertilizers for plant growth, with potash also being used in various other applications. Farmers in the U.S. and around the world rely on these fertilizers to improve the quality and yield of their crops. Historically, global potash demand has seen a CAGR of roughly 2%, closely tracking population growth.
Commitment to Safety & Sustainability Underpins Our Operations
Intrepid’s potash production comes from solar solution mines. Solar solution mining is a relatively safe and environmentally friendly production method. Unlike conventional underground potash mining – which can require a significant amount of energy produced from hydrocarbons to mine the potash ore and recover the potash – Intrepid’s potash is produced from solar energy as the brine evaporates from surface ponds, with most of the water we use also being returned to the atmosphere.