From early exploration in the 1890s to first production in 2024, SO4 has transformed Lake Way into a leading sustainable source of Sulphate of Potash.
The origins of SO4’s Lake Way Potash Project date back to the 1890s, when gold rush-era expeditions first mapped the Wiluna region in Western Australia. While not initially explored for potash, early observations noted the area's distinctive salt crusts. In the 1990s, historical drilling by WMC confirmed the presence of high-grade potash brines.
In the early 2000s, Toro Energy, focused on uranium exploration, held tenements around Lake Way. Although not involved in potash production, Toro’s activities highlighted the area’s broader resource potential. The company later divested as interest in potash began to grow.
In the 2010s, Salt Lake Potash Limited (now SO4) recognised the opportunity to develop Sulphate of Potash (SOP) at Lake Way. The company acquired development rights and began focusing on brine extraction and solar evaporation techniques, securing key environmental and operational approvals.
By 2019, SO4 commenced infrastructure development, including evaporation ponds and a processing plant. By 2020, it was progressing toward the commissioning phase.
In October 2022, SO4 was acquired by Sev.en Global Investments, providing new backing and strategic direction for the company’s continued growth.
In July 2024, SO4 successfully produced its first high-quality SOP product, "Prime High K Standard" (53% K₂O, <1.0% chloride), marking a significant production milestone.
A second production milestone was achieved in July 2025, with continued output of the same high-grade "Prime High K Standard" SOP, reinforcing SO4’s operational capability and product consistency.
.svg)
Our vision, "Enabling Sustainable Food Production," is driven by our commitment to transforming global food systems for the future.
We are dedicated to providing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that ensure sustainable and efficient food production, addressing the needs of today while safeguarding resources for generations to come.
Through collaboration and cutting-edge practices, we aim to create a world where food security is guaranteed, and ongoing production thrives in harmony with the planet.
Our mission, "Premium Fertiliser. Sustainably Produced," is centred on producing high-quality, environmentally conscious fertilisers that empower farmers to grow strong, healthy crops without compromising the future of the land.
We are committed to balancing agricultural productivity with sustainability, ensuring that every product we create not only supports superior crop yields but also promotes the long-term health of our ecosystems and resources. Through innovation and responsibility, we are shaping a more sustainable and food-secure world.
We trust, respect & value our people. We are humble & operate with integrity.
We take ownership of the work we do. We are accountable for our actions & outcomes.
We nurture the land we work on conserving our environment for sustainable development.
We are driven, intentional & purposeful in everything we do, striving for continuous improvement.
We act with a safety focus to prevent injury & ensure the safety of each other.
Matt has played a key role in developing critical geological and hydrogeological interpretations for mining, environmental, and water resource projects across the United States, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. His expertise has guided organisations with study requirements and optimise resource development. At SO4, he brings this deep technical and leadership experience to drive strategic initiatives, ensuring operational excellence, successful project execution, and long-term growth.
Jim has over 30 years of experience in the resources industry, having led mining and processing operations across Australia, the UK, and Mozambique. He has a strong track record of starting up new mines, increasing production rates, and embedding best practice safety and environmental systems. At SO4, he brings this extensive operational leadership to oversee site activities, driving efficiency, safety, and performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Sian has successfully navigated complex workplace dynamics, built comprehensive HR infrastructures, and implemented people frameworks that drive business performance. She has developed and led HR strategies across the mining, construction, engineering, fintech, and manufacturing industries, ensuring businesses attract and retain top talent while fostering high-performance cultures. At SO4, she harnesses this expertise to strengthen organisational capability, enhance employee relations, and create sustainable people strategies that support business growth.
Steve has over 30 years of experience in operations management, integrated planning, and technical services across some of WA’s leading mining companies. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic insight to SO4 as he advances the next phase of growth, leading the Upstream Project expansion. This critical project will see the extension of the borefield and pond infrastructure, enhancing the site’s capacity and supporting the long-term production objectives of the operation.
Mark has devised sales growth, marketing, and business development strategies across specialty chemical product lines and industrial markets. He has a proven track record of expanding market share, optimising commercial strategies, and delivering sustainable, profitable growth. At SO4, he utilises this deep industry expertise to strengthen market positioning, unlock new commercial opportunities, and create long-term value.
Lake Way is located approximately 15km south of Wiluna, in Western Australia’s northern goldfields region, and is a registered Aboriginal Site and a place of cultural importance to our native title holders.
The Wiluna region is an historic mining precinct dating back to the late 19th century. It has been a prolific nickel and gold mining region and therefore has well developed, high quality infrastructure in place.
SO4 operates the Lake Way production site, which has a nameplate capacity of 250ktpa of potassium sulphate (SOP) which is a primary nutrient source in agriculture, used particularly in the production of high-quality fruit, vegetables and nuts. The production site consists of three main activities: brine abstraction; solar evaporation and concentration; and salt processing in a purpose-built Process Plant.
