Sussex job fair for Saskatchewan mine draws laid-off potash workers

K+S Potash Canada is holding a job fair in Sussex, hoping to lure some of the region's newlylaid-off potash workers to their new Saskatchewan operation.

• PotashCorp mine closure will have widespread economic impact
• PotashCorp's old Penobsquis mine could be decommissioned by spring
• PotashCorp's Sussex mine shutdown sends shockwaves around province

MaryannDeutscher, a seniorhuman resources manager forK+S, says the company decided to set up the job fair the moment it heard about the closure of the Picadilly mine.

"Our goal is to look for people that have potash processing experience ... both from the skilled trades and the operators," she said.

With Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan's decision to indefinitely suspend its Picadilly mine operation, 430 high-paying jobs in this community of 4,300 are gone.

Deutscher says K+S, which is based in Germany, is looking for 120 workersfrom industrial mechanics, electricians and other skilled trades to panel and field operators for a new operation set to begin later this year.

Not all of those positions will be filled by New Brunswickers, but she says she's excited bythe quality of the local workforce.

"In talking with people today, I am very impressed with their sense of teamwork and initiative ... it's very positive," said Deutscher.

Willing to relocate

At Friday's job fair dozens of people lined up, resumes in hand, hoping to get one of those positions, even if it means relocating to Saskatchewan.

Kris Kyle, who grew up in Sussex and has worked in the mine for a number for years,says if he has to leave the provincefor work, he will.

"It's not the greatest but at this point I got a young family and you've got to do what you've got to do," he said.

Kyle says emotions have been running high in Sussex sincePotashCorp made the grim announcement, with people moving from anger to despair, "but you've got to stay optimistic in times like these and not let the worst emotions get the best of you," he said.

Rachel Hay, 27,was also in line, hoping for a position out west.

Hay says she was an underground operator and has worked in the mine since 2009.Still, she figures she is better off than some.

"I feel bad for a lot of the group that havenice houses and vehicles and families ... so now they're going to have to travel." she said.

Picadilly, a $2.2-billion project, whichwas just recently completed, was expected to have a 73-year lifespan.

ButMarkFracchia, the president of PCS Potash and a former general manager for the New Brunswick mine, saidtheplunge in potash prices on theworld market anda drop in demand from China, combined with thechallenging geology of the area,left the company with no alternative.

When asked about the long-term future of the K+S mine, MaryannDeutscher said the company is investing $4.1 billion inthe project outside of Regina, "we're operating for generations to come."

The K+S job fair runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Gateway Mall in Sussex.