As Saskatchewan marks Mining Week, Estevan is recognizing the critical role the industry plays in the local economy and broader community.
“Mining is so crucial to the Estevan area,” said Rebecca Foord, community development officer for the City of Estevan. “A number of reports, including the most recent ones from the Institute for Research on Public Policy, all show the importance of mining in the Estevan area and make strong cases for its continued role in our economy.”
Foord said mining directly and indirectly supports thousands of people in southeast Saskatchewan. In the Estevan-Bienfait area alone, about 350 people work directly in mining. However, the full economic reach extends far beyond that.
“Everybody is indirectly impacted by mining in Estevan and the surrounding areas,” she said.
Local businesses also benefit from the sector. Contractors, heavy-duty mechanics, skilled tradespeople, safety suppliers and equipment dealerships all provide services and support to area mines.
“Our mining industry can’t run by itself,” Foord said. “It needs support from local businesses, and when one business succeeds, we all succeed.”
The community investment from the mining sector is also significant. Over the past 12 years, Westmoreland Mining, in partnership with employees and the United Mine Workers, has raised more than $1 million for United Way Estevan.
Other contributions have supported the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign and food bank, the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy drive, and health care initiatives like the chemotherapy unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital and the local MRI fundraising campaign.
Garbage and recycling bins at Affinity Place were donated by the United Mine Workers, along with many of the benches on Estevan’s walking paths. Those benches are dedicated to past mine employees who passed away while working in the industry.
“They also advertise and support local sports teams, including the Estevan Bruins and boys and girls minor sports,” Foord said. “They’ve donated to archery clubs in the Estevan and Macoun areas, and they provide safety vests and toques for school patrollers.”
Looking ahead, Estevan is working on new initiatives to support the sector, including a coal-to-graphite project being developed with Dr. Ian Wagner. That project was recently presented at the ICE conference.
“We're working on turning our coal into graphite,” Foord said. “It’s a really good step toward keeping coal feasible and relevant as energy conversations continue across the country. It could help extend the longevity of our mines and keep more people employed here.”
Local training options for mining careers are available through Southeast College. Programs include heavy equipment operation, millwright and industrial mechanic training, and a new power engineering course launching this fall.
“You don’t have to leave Estevan to pursue a mining career,” Foord said. “We have opportunities right here that help people stay in the community while preparing for work in the industry.”