The South African consortium distanced itself from allegations that it is linked to the Gupta family, the previous owner of Optimum coal and other two assets.
Company has completed a scoping study at its Khemisset project in northern Morocco, which shows it has the potential to be among the world’s lowest capital cost potash mines.
Danakali, an Australian-based miner, has moved to within sight of developing the potential world-class Colluli potash project which sits close to the Red Sea which is Eritrea's eastern border.
Company sources say Cutifani is happy to stay beyond his 2020 mandate and that shareholders are not against the idea, but they added that Duncan Wanblad, promoted early this month to group director of strategy and business development, is regarded as a potential successor.
Canadian Environment and Climate Change Minister, Catherine McKenna, said the proposed mine was not likely to have significant adverse effects if the 120 stipulated conditions were met.