--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20261023-laos-potash-project-vinachem-khammouane-restart/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Laos potash project restarts as Vinachem revives $492M mine targeting 500,000 t from 2028 Publication Date: 2026-10-23T19:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-10-20T03:03:12-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/), [Potash](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/potash/), [Production & Supply](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/production/) ![Laos potash project restarts as Vinachem revives $492M mine targeting 500,000 t from 2028](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/istock-612817304-scaled.jpg) The Laos potash project stalled at 57% completion in 2017 and now targets 500,000 tonnes of potassium chloride a year from 2028. Vietnamese and Laotian officials relaunched a $492M Laos potash project in Khammouane province on October 12, nearly a decade after construction stalled, Archyde reported, citing Thai and Vietnamese media. The Viet-Laos Chemical and Salt venture of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) targets commercial production of 500,000 tonnes of potassium chloride a year from 2028. The project in Nongbok district covers 1,000 hectares and holds estimated reserves of 32 million tonnes of potassium. Work stopped in 2017 after a payment dispute with contractors, when construction was 57% complete. Authorities have required strict tailings management and monitoring of groundwater contamination and soil subsidence, after past sinkhole incidents in the area. Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Phouthavanh Outhavong said local processing of mineral resources creates higher value and secure jobs. Southeast Asia imports nearly all of its potash, so new regional MOP would compete with Canadian, Russian and Belarusian supply. Thailand's own projects are lagging. Dan Khun Thod in Nakhon Ratchasima, backed by Bangchak through a 65% stake, targets 100,000 t/yr from late 2026 or early 2027 but faces lawsuits, while Udon Thani and Chaiyaphum projects are stalled. At 500,000 tonnes, Khammouane would be a modest addition to a market where [new supply from Belarus and BHP's Jansen is already weighing on price outlooks](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20261006-us-potash-prices-belarus-bhp-jansen/). Its first test is whether Vinachem can finish the remaining construction on schedule. Source: [Archyde](https://www.archyde.com/vietnam-resumes-492-million-dollar-potash-mining-project-in-laos-amid-regional-fertilizer-push/) Tags: [Laos](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/laos/), [MOP](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/mop/), [potash](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/potash/), [Southeast Asia](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/southeast-asia/), [Thailand](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/thailand/), [Vietnam](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/vietnam/), [Vinachem](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/vinachem/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.