The Dead Sea Potash History

The Unique Composition of the Dead Sea

By the late 18th century, the unique chemical composition of the Dead Sea waters, rich in sodium, magnesium, chloride, and potassium, was well known. Many adventurers interested in geology travelled to the place known as “Lake Asphaltite,” attracted also by the surrounding flora and fauna. The conditions there were harsh and dangerous, especially in summer. Serious research which resulted in the industrial exploitation of the Dead Sea minerals however started only after Dr. Max Blanckenhorn, a German geologist, conducted four expeditions to the area between 1894 and 1904.

Early Developments and Rising Demand for Potash

Potash mining was pioneered by Germany already after 1850 when German scientists formulated the ‘Theory of Mineral Nutrition of Plants and the Law of Minimum’ and the commercial importance of potash grew. The demand surged quickly.

In 1862, the first 20,000 tons of potash salt were produced in Stassfurt, Germany, and production steadily increased to 7 million tons by 1909, with an average price of 10-12 German Marks per ton. Potash used as a fertilizer became more widespread than its industrial applications for the production of explosives and other chemicals. The U. S. were the most important consumer outside Germany.

As potash mining grew into a profitable business, Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement, saw it as a great opportunity to develop his vision in Palestine. Herzl adopted the idea from the German commercial attaché in Constantinople, who advised expanding German potash industry to other regions, including the Dead Sea’s northern shores.

The Potash plant in Kalia on the northern shores of the Dead Sea in the 1930s

Moshe Novomeisky: From Siberia to the Dead Sea

The person who enabled Herzl’s vision to come true was called Moshe Novomeisky. This descendant of Polish Jewish refugees was born in 1873 in Barguzin, Siberia. He studied mining engineering, for some time even in Germany near Hannover, and completed his studies in 1898. When in Germany, he spent his holidays working in lead and copper mines and also in Stassfurt, the ‘potash capital’ of the world at that time.

Moshe Novomeisky (1973-1961), the pioneer of potash mining at the Dead Sea

Before he first visited Palestine in 1911, Novomeisky had already started a successful business in Siberia. He produced sodium sulphate and extracted gold from frozen Siberian riverbeds, thus generating the capital to later develop the Dead Sea potash extraction process. By 1921, when he applied for the concession to extract potash and bromine from the Dead Sea, Novomeisky was already a proven industrialist with a capital, not just a Zionist dreamer.

Potash Strategic Importance and Economic Value

It was not only Herzl who had the vision to develop the Dead Sea. Already in 1913 the British realized that the growing potash market was lead and controlled by Germany, having the monopoly in the great Stassfurt mine. During World War I, Germany took advantage of it and imposed an embargo on potash exports, causing prices to skyrocket in the world.

In 1917, after General Allenby seized Jerusalem, the British, aware of the Dead Sea’s riches, sent Major T. G. Tulloch, a competent engineer, to survey its potential. He first applied for a concession in 1918 but was turned down by the British Government. After that Tulloch grouped with Novomeisky and in 1923 they applied for the concession and in 1929 founded the Palestine Potash Company.

The concession was granted after nearly nine years of negotiations. The major issue was to prevent access to the German potash industry and ensure supplies for the British crown in case of a crisis. And indeed, during World War II, Dead Sea potash covered 50% of the UK’s and 80% of the British Commonwealth’s needs.

Potash plant and evaporation ponds at Kalia in the 1930s

Post-War Growth and Global Impact

During World War II, Palestine Potash expanded to the U.S., UK, and China, mitigating the impact of another German embargo. The Dead Sea potash industry became significant, holding 25% of global reserves by 1943.

After the war ended, the potash market resumed its growth. Farmers around the world increasingly recognized the significant benefits of using potash as a fertilizer, which led to a growing demand for this essential nutrient. The market’s expansion created a strong appetite for increased potash supply, driven by the desire to diversify sources and reduce dependence on the German-dominated industry. The onset of potash production at the Dead Sea had a global impact, marking a new era in the industry.

Text shortened and adapted from Magen, H.: Potash production at the Dead Sea: A story of vision, innovation and unique geopolitics, In: Fertilizer Focus, September/October 2022.