What is the average depreciation expense for PotashCorp?
Depreciation and amortization are provided for on a basis and at rates calculated to amortize the cost of the property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation and amortization rates for all mine assets (including mine development costs) and potash mills are determined using the units of production method based on the shorter of estimates of deposit or service lives. Other asset classes are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis as follows: land improvements 5 to 30 years, buildings and improvements 6 to 30 years and machinery and equipment (comprised primarily of plant equipment) 20 to 25 years. In 2008, depreciation and amortization expense was US $327.5 million. The estimated depreciation and amortization expense for 2009 is expected to be approximately 8 percent higher than the previous year.
