The success of Saskatchewan鈥檚 mining industry through innovation is the focus of Saskatchewan Mining Week, which takes place from May 27 to June 2, and was officially proclaimed on May 28.
Sustaining Success is the theme of this year鈥檚 Mining Week, which is organized by the Saskatchewan Mining Association and features events and activities throughout the province to showcase various aspects of one of the province鈥檚 largest and most dynamic economic sectors.
鈥淪askatchewan is one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for mineral exploration and development,鈥� Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. 鈥淭hrough initiatives such as the Mineral Development Strategy, announced in this year鈥檚 provincial budget, we intend to build on our success.鈥�
鈥淭he week provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our industry to the economic growth of Saskatchewan, and our role in providing energy and food security to the world,鈥� Saskatchewan Mining Association Chair Jessica Theriault said.
The government鈥檚 Mineral Development Strategy, currently in development, is designed to encourage the mining industry to conduct more exploration in Saskatchewan and specifically, to take advantage of significant, unrealized base metal potential in the Creighton鈥揇enare Beach area.聽
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Geological Survey, which has produced quality data on the province鈥檚 geology and economic resource potential since 1948.
The value of Saskatchewan鈥檚 mineral sales for 2017 was $6.6 billion. The province remains the world鈥檚 leading supplier of potash and the second-largest producer of primary uranium.聽 Saskatchewan is currently ranked second in the world, and first in Canada, by the Fraser Institute of 91 global jurisdictions for mining investment attractiveness. The Mining Journal鈥攐ne of the industry鈥檚 most established international publications鈥攔ecently ranked Saskatchewan number one out of 85 jurisdictions for favourable investment risk.
The Westmoreland Coal Company will be offering free public tours on May 31. A bus will depart the Estevan Shoppers Mall鈥檚 main entrance and visit the Estevan mine and SaskPower鈥檚 Shand Power Station.
A complimentary lunch will be offered at the Estevan mine at 11 a.m. The bus will return to the Estevan Shoppers Mall at noon.
To sign up for the tour, call 306-634-7251.
For a complete event schedule and further information about Saskatchewan Mining Week, please visit www.saskmining.ca.
