Saskatchewan has once again been ranked the most attractive region in Canada for mining investment, according to the Fraser Institute’s latest Annual Survey of Mining Companies.
The 2024 report includes responses from 350 mining companies operating in 82 jurisdictions worldwide. Saskatchewan placed first in Canada and seventh globally, maintaining its reputation as a mining-friendly province.
“These results from the Fraser Institute speak to Saskatchewan's strong and steady approach to attracting mining investment,” said Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young. “We offer some of the best incentive programs in the country for mineral development and we continue to uphold our reputation of being responsive, stable and predictable as a jurisdiction where investors can move projects forward.”
The survey ranks regions based on two main areas: policy perception and mineral potential. Saskatchewan came in first among Canadian provinces and third in the world for policy perception, which measures factors such as policy certainty, environmental regulation, the legal system and the availability of skilled workers.
The province also earned praise for its geological data, ranking fourth globally. The Saskatchewan Geological Survey maintains advanced mapping technology, a large library of public geoscience data and extensive core sample collections at facilities in both southern and northern parts of the province.
“Achieving the number one ranking in Canada is due to our ability to work constructively and collaboratively with government to enable policies that attract investment,” said Saskatchewan Mining Association president Pam Schwann.
Saskatchewan continues to hit new records in mineral production. Last year, the province mined about 24.7 million tonnes of potassium chloride, setting a new high for potash production. Uranium output also reached record levels, with 16,700 tonnes produced and $2.6 billion in sales.
The province is home to 27 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list. Along with its established potash and uranium sectors, Saskatchewan is seeing growth in other areas, including helium, lithium, copper and zinc. Several new projects are expected to begin production within the next year.