The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 30 to June 5, 2021, Mining Week. The theme is 鈥淪askatchewan鈥檚 Critical Minerals Essential to Global Supply Chains,鈥� which 鈥媝rovides an opportunity to showcase Saskatchewan鈥檚 world-class mining sector.
Despite the economic challenges associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan鈥檚 mining sales, particularly in potash, remain strong. In 2020, they generated $6 billion. The provincial mining sector accounts for more than 11 per cent of Saskatchewan鈥檚 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports more than 12,000 jobs across the province.
鈥淪askatchewan is a global leader in potash and uranium production, an emerging producer of helium and lithium, and home to over 20 critical minerals, including rare earth elements such as cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium and neodymium,鈥� Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. 鈥淭here are exciting opportunities ahead for mineral exploration in our province, as the mining sector continues to innovate and grow.鈥�
Saskatchewan was recently recognized by the Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report as the number-one global jurisdiction for mining investment opportunity. The same report also awarded Saskatchewan an AAA rating for overall investment鈥攐ne of only two jurisdictions to achieve this.
Saskatchewan鈥檚 Growth Plan sets goals to reach 鈥�$9 billion in potash sales and $2 billion in uranium sales by 2030.
鈥淢ining Week in Saskatchewan provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the exploration and mining industry to the economic growth of Saskatchewan,鈥� Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 theme of Saskatchewan鈥檚 Critical Minerals 鈥� essential to global supply chains, showcases the critical role Saskatchewan mineral production has in the value chain of providing clean energy and food security to the world, as well as our emerging role as a secure and reliable supplier of other critical minerals that are essential to the low carbon, technology economy.鈥�
This week鈥檚 events include a virtual launch, presentations and activities hosted by the Saskatchewan Mining Association and will highlight how Saskatchewan continues to be a top global investment jurisdiction of choice for the exploration, discovery and development of minerals.
For a complete event schedule and further information about Mining Week in Saskatchewan, please visit www.saskmining.ca.
