SO4 announces first commercial shipments for Lake Way potash
Press Release (Perth, WA, April 13. 2025)
SO4, operator of the Lake Way Sulphate of Potash (SOP) project in Western Australia's Goldfields region, has today announced a significant commercial milestone, with the first commercial export shipments of its premium quality SOP.
Following the first domestic shipment in June, this pivotal development signifies the successful operational and commercial viability of the Lake Way project. Having overcome challenges inherent in the sector, with the support of Sev.en Global Investments, SO4 stands as the only SOP producer in Western Australia today.
The Lake Way project, acquired by Sev.en Global Investments in October 2022, has successfully produced premium quality SOP, recording 53% K2O content, above industry standards, and ultra-low chloride levels (<0.1%). This product is particularly suited for high-value crops, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and helps to maintain soil health in regions facing water scarcity. Initial shipments have been made to several countries, including Mexico, Peru, Spain, Ecuador, and Chile. SO4 continues to develop domestic distribution, with deliveries made to clients in Western Australia, alongside its first international customers.
Mark Sykes, Country Manager – Australia at Sev.en Global Investments, said: "This is a truly transformative moment for SO4 and the Lake Way project. Achieving successful commercial production and making our first deliveries is a powerful validation of our technology and the quality of our product while establishing a strong foundation for the future.”
“Lake Way is fully operational and capable of delivering premium SOP to both a global and domestic market that is increasingly seeking reliable and sustainable sources. With a production capacity of more than 200,000 tonnes per year, we are uniquely positioned to meet Australia’s entire demand. Australia has historically imported every tonne of SOP, so we are not only supplying this critical domestic need but also exporting Australian potash, putting it firmly on the global stage. This is a critical part of building Australia’s local SOP sector.”
SO4 is ramping up its production on site, having sold more than 1,800 tonnes of potash to date with a further 2,000 expected to be sold within the next month, and a steady stream of export and domestic sales continuing. More than 140 on-site workers operate the site, with this projected to grow to up to 250.
Matthew Thompson, CEO, SO4 commented: "Our expanding workforce has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Their dedication, skill, and commitment are driving the success of Lake Way as we scale up production, all while maintaining our longstanding commitment to sustainability.”
The Lake Way project utilises a sustainable solar evaporation process, a significantly more environmentally friendly production method than conventional alternatives, putting it at the forefront of global sustainable production. This low-impact method has lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader climate goals. Additionally, the project minimises waste and supports long-term environmental stewardship in the Goldfields ecosystem.
SO4’s sustainability efforts extend beyond environmental practices to how it engages with the community in which it operates. The company has worked closely with the Martu people, the Traditional Owners of the land, including the Lake Way area, through the Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation (TMPAC). Together, they have developed a comprehensive Indigenous Engagement Strategy that embeds cultural heritage protection, employment pathways, and Aboriginal business development into the project.
This milestone not only reflects SO4’s growing commercial momentum but also reinforces its commitment to delivering long-term value—economically, environmentally and socially—through the Lake Way project.
About SO4
SO4 is the company operating the Lake Way Sulphate of Potash (SOP) project in Western Australia's Goldfields region. Acquired by Sev.en Global Investments in October 2022, SO4 utilizes a sustainable solar evaporation process to produce high-quality SOP. The project employs over 140 people on-site and works closely with local Aboriginal communities.
About Sev.en Global Investments
Sev.en Global Investments is a Czech-based investment group that invests across a range of sectors, particularly in steel production, power generation, and mining of various natural resources. Sev.en GI operates on four continents: Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia.
• Delta Power & Energy with the Vales Point Power Station and Chain Valley Colliery coal mine
• SO4 company - premium green potash fertilizer producer
• Sev.en Royalties with mining rights in two regions.
In the United States, Sev.en GI is the owner of:
• met-coal mining company Blackhawk Mining with annual coal production of around 9 million tonnes
• Golden Eagle Land Company, which holds mining rights to more than 2 billion tonnes of coal reserves.
European business encompasses:
• Power generation company InterGen, with 4 gas-fired power stations in the United Kingdom: Coryton, Spalding, Rocksavage, and Spalding Energy Expansion.
• 7 Steel UK
• 7 Steel Nordic.
Sev.en Global Investments is part of the Sev.en Group whose beneficiary is Mr. Pavel Tykač, a prominent Czech entrepreneur and investor, ranked among the top 400 World´s wealthiest people in the Forbes Real Time Billionaires.
Media Contact:
Veronika Diamantová
Head of Communication, Sev.en GI
e-mail
+420 775 299 337