Associated Press

POCATELLO - A Canadian company is seeking permission to conduct some exploratory drilling in phosphate reserves located in two roadless areas in southeastern Idaho.

The proposal by Canadian fertilizer company Agrium Inc. calls for drilling 158 holes on about 52 acres 17 miles northeast of Soda Springs. Officials tell the Idaho State Journal the company is trying to determine the viability of future mining projects in the area.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are taking public comment on the plan through Nov. 2 for the so-called Husky 1 and North Dry Ridge Phosphate Exploration Project.

Officials say much of the exploratory drilling would be done on existing mining leases.

Agrium is the same company proposing to expand mining operations at the existing Rasmussen Ridge Mine east of Soda Springs.