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ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Protecting our resources

ENVIRONMENTAL

Intrepid uses one of the oldest mining techniques for potash production, solar solution mining. This is one of the safest, lowest cost, most energy efficient and environmentally friendly production methods. Intrepid uses a naturally occurring salt saturated brine solution and injects it underground where the brine dissolves the potash. This potassium rich brine is then pumped up into solar ponds. Using the solar heat, wind and warm temperatures the water evaporates leaving only the salt and potash behind to be processed into the products we sell.

In response to the ever-growing organic market, Intrepid went through the application process to get products OMRI certified. In 2007 Trio® became OMRI certified and Potash followed in 2018 after determining there is a need for organic potash. Salt became OMRI certified shortly after potash in 2019. After the original certifications, Intrepid has renewed these accreditations every year. The team at Intrepid also works tirelessly every year to ensure our process and packaging are all in line with OMRI and State standards.

Intrepid has also taken the steps to become registered in the Organic Input Material Program with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This program registers fertilizers that can be used in organic crop and food production.

Intrepid Recycling & Blending Project FAQ

Can you describe Intrepid’s water business in New Mexico?
Intrepid and its predecessor companies have been in the potash mining business in New Mexico for almost 100 years. Mining potash requires water resources, and consequently Intrepid holds significant water rights in New Mexico. When these water rights are not fully utilized by the mining operation, Intrepid is able, through the State Engineer, to permit further beneficial use in other industries. One of the industries that Intrepid serves is oil and gas.

How is excess water provided by Intrepid used by the oil and gas industry?
An oil and gas producer drills unconventional wells…that means, wells where hydrocarbons are trapped in low-permeability source rock. In order to release the oil and gas deposits, producers use a procedure called hydraulic fracturing, where a mix of sand and water-based solution are injected into the rock. This injected mixture increases permeability of the rock and enhances oil and gas recovery. In additional to providing source water to the oil and gas industry, Intrepid has recently expanded services to include produced water treatment, often called recycling, and blending.

What do you mean by recycling and blending?
During the completion and production of an oil and gas well, a significant volume of formation water is produced. This water is typically disposed in permitted underground disposal wells. Intrepid, with its strategic partner Select Energy, has begun a process of taking volumes of produced water, removing impurities, and blending with source water provided to producers. This presents both an environmental and potential economic savings.

How is this blending process environmentally friendly?
By reusing produced water, we can transform a waste product into a valued commodity that conserves source water reserves.

Can recycled water entirely replace the need for source water?
No, oil and gas producers need defined quantities of water at defined times in specific locations during the course of a well completion and frack. It is impossible to always meet these requirements exclusively with recycled water. But every barrel of recycled water that is blended into a source water stream represents reduced waste.

How do oil and gas producers feel about using recycled water in their well completions?
We have found that producers are very supportive of water recycling and blending as long as they are able to meet their defined requirements and it is equitable in their cost structure. Many producers recognize the sustainability value in the reuse of produced water.

How do Intrepid stakeholders feel about the blending and recycling program?
Intrepid’s board and shareholders are highly supportive of our recycling and blending initiative. We promote situations where the company can prosper by doing the right thing and advance the sustainability of the industries we participate in.

Our Environmental Promise

Intrepid relies on the environments, resources and ecosystems surrounding our locations. Working closely with our communities, we make it a priority to protect the natural resources surrounding our operations. Intrepid is committed to leaving our environments better than ever.

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Intrepid707 17th St., Suite 4200
Denver, Colorado 80202
info@intrepidpotash.com

+1.303.296.3006
+1.800.451.2888
+1.303.996.3048 media@intrepidpotash.com
+1.575.234.3613

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