Members

The natural basic materials salt and potash are closely connected with all processes of life, with growth and food and all kinds of industrial products. The association of the potash and salt industry (VKS), Berlin, represents the interests of all German mining companies producing salt and potash. Its nine members operate six potash-, seven salt mines and five salt works. Eight underground waste disposal facilities belong to the member associations too.

From around 40 mio t crude salt containing potash and magnesium, roughly 9 mio t are extracted yearly as final products for agriculture and industrial uses. 50 % of the potash and magnesium fertilizers are exported to nearly 70 countries in the world. The annual production of salt amounts to 16 mio t, about 80 % of which are used as raw material for the chemical industry. 10 -12 % of the salt are used as de-icing salt for winter services, about 3 % as table salt and 5 % as industry salt. The German potash and salt industry employs some 12.000 people.

The VKS, as an employers’ association, is a collective labour partner for about 9.000 employees. The economic association advocates balanced framework conditions for trade and extraction of raw materials as well as production and distribution of the potash and salt products. Its core field of activities is the raw materials supply policy, environmental protection, mining, health and safety, waste and waste disposal management.