With the recent news of Mosaic's Colonsay mine shuttering until next January and potential road blocks for another proposed mine near Wynyard there is some positive news in the industry.

Environmental approval has been provided from the Government of Saskatchewan for Yancoal to move forward with plans to construct a potash mine near Southey, just off Highway 6.

A number of residents and land owners downstream from the proposed site are not pleased with the decision but the Ministry of Environment says the company has addressed key issues including the potential impact on ground water.

Yancoal must also set up a community advisory committee with residents as they move forward.

Next up is the company's board of directors making a financial decision on the proposed project, that is expected to occur before the end of 2016.

With the development of the site, it opens opportunities for fully trained Humboldt area trained mine workers to perhaps get back into the industry that has taken a number of hits in the last year.