The Saskatchewan Government has proclaimed this week as Mining Week with the theme Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals: Essential to Global Security and Supply Chains.  Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre reports last year mining companies operating in the province spent 214 million dollars on exploration activities and that spending is expected to increase to 263 million this year with expanded operations in potash, uranium, base metals, rare earth elements and other critical minerals. 

Saskatchewan has 23 of Canada’s 31 minerals considered critical for the sustainable economic success of Canada and its allies.  It is already a producer of three potash, uranium and helium and has near term production potential for several others including lithium, copper and zinc. As well rare earth elements mined in the Northwest Territories are now being transported to Saskatoon for processing and positive exploration results continue to be released from diamond and gold projects located in northern Saskatchewan.