The first week of June has unearthed a special opportunity to focus on Saskatchewan's mining sector.
The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed June 1-7 as Saskatchewan Mining Week, a chance to recognize the important industry and the people in it who have helped towards the significant impact mining has had on the provincial economy. The 2025 theme is 'Talent, Technology and Trade: Opportunities for Saskatchewan's Mining Sector', a slogan the government release says reflects optimism for the future of mining in Saskatchewan.
"Our world-class mining industry is key to the prosperous way of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan, creating good jobs, economic growth and a sustainable, secure future. As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, we are increasing production in core sectors like potash and uranium and seeing growth in emerging commodities like helium, lithium, copper and zinc." stated Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young in a Monday release.
According to Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann, over the next ten years the province's mining industry will be needing an estimated 15,000 new employees, from the trades to engineering. Not only are mine-specific opportunities available, but so too are jobs in aviation as the two sectors work together closely for transportation to and from the mine in many cases.
Just like pilots, Saskatchewan's mining labour pool is in serious need of numbers. To increase uptake into the industry the Saskatchewan Mining Association said that they are working on promoting awareness on the different careers available, showing off some of the ways that mining companies are being innovative and aiming to attract the next generation of employees.
The release goes on to state that Saskatchewan currently employs over 30,000 people (direct and indirectly) in the mining industry while also seeing billions of dollars in procurement for different mining suppliers around the province. Mining also represents a major source of private investment and government revenue in the province, in turn offering a chance to fund programs and services for Saskatchewan residents such as education and health care.
Mining stats over the past year show that potash production was high as ever at 15.1 million tonnes of potassium oxide. Uranium production hit record highs at 16,700 tonnes, as well as in sales at $2.6 billion.
"With an abundance of resources, competitive incentives and a predictable and stable regulatory framework, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in resource development. The Fraser Institute's annual survey of mining companies consistently ranks Saskatchewan as the top jurisdiction in Canada and the top three in the world for mining investment competitiveness."
Saskatchewan has access to 27 of 34 minerals listed on Canada's critical minerals list, including helium, lithium, copper and zinc. Projects are in the works along with the Saskatchewan Research Council's Rare Earth Processing facility as they have been working hard to produce rare earth metals at a commercial scale.