Bird Construction Inc. (TSX: BDT), together with BHP and 2Nations Bird Construction Limited Partnership (2Nations Bird), are pleased to announce that the 2Nations Bird joint venture has been awarded two contracts by BHP for works on the Jansen Stage 1 Potash Project (Jansen Stage 1) in Saskatchewan. 2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation’s Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures.
The 2Nations Bird partnership is rooted in culture, respect, collaboration, and providing sustainable, positive impacts for the communities. It was formed to participate in BHP’s Jansen project, providing a full scope of construction and maintenance services. The partnership is focused on procuring goods and services from local Indigenous businesses and aims to maximize employment opportunities for local Indigenous employees. Opportunities for specific training and employment programs will support long-term career employment and advancement opportunities.
“Indigenous and industry partnerships, such as 2Nations Bird Construction, create economic and employment opportunities for our nation and its members. It allows us to develop capacity, learn from one another, and grow in tandem. More importantly, these types of relationships are critical to advance economic reconciliation which allows us to develop long-term, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes,” says Chief Ananas, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation.
2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen, a contract valued at approximately CAD $62 million. The partnership was also awarded a three-year site services agreement where 2Nations Bird has responsibility for general site services during the execution of Jansen Stage 1, as well as maintenance of a variety of facilities currently in operation to service the site. The three-year service agreement is valued at over CAD $110 million.
2Nations Bird has engaged with KDM Constructors, as the designated subcontractor. KDM has been involved with the project with BHP for over seven years, providing contract services for the Jansen site. As a First Nations-owned industrial construction and maintenance service provider, KDM brings together Kawakatoose, Day Star, and Muskowekwan Nations along with the Saskatchewan-based SECON Group of Companies. George Gordon Developments Ltd., the economic development arm of the George Gordon First Nation will also be a subcontractor on the site services agreement.
“BHP is delighted to announce the partnership with 2Nations Bird and we look forward to building strong working relationships,” said Simon Thomas, president potash, BHP. “The award of these contracts is a significant milestone for Jansen Stage 1 and one that will have positive impacts for the local community. We are committed to upholding the opportunity agreements we have with the six First Nations surrounding Jansen and to working with other Indigenous communities to help ensure Indigenous peoples gain from our presence in the region.”
BHP is investing CAD $7.5 billion to build Jansen Stage 1, which will be one of the world’s largest and most sustainable potash mines and is located 140 kilometres from Saskatoon. Jansen Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 million tonnes of potash per annum, with the first production planned for late-2026.
“We are honoured to be chosen as a key partner for BHP’s Jansen project and are committed to delivering exceptional results through our 2Nations Bird partnership over the next three years. Together, our shared values of respect and collaboration will be instrumental in creating positive and sustainable impacts in the region,” said Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird. “As a service provider in this vital sector of the Canadian economy, working on BHP’s world-class, sustainable potash project is an exciting opportunity.”
Press release courtesy of Bird Construction.
