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S
askatchewan has an abundance of
mineral resources. Last year it was the
world's largest producer and exporter
of potash, meeting 30% of world demand,
and the second leading uranium producer,
providing 16% of the world's supply. While
uranium and potash make up the bulk of the
Saskatchewan $7.14 billion mining industry,
financial contributions by gold and base
metal mining along with the diamond and
uranium exploration sectors is significant.
In 2014, mineral exploration expendi-
tures were $236.4 million and estimates for
2015 are $239 million. Natural Resources
Canada estimates, in 2015, Saskatchewan
could account for 9.1% of all spending
in Canada on exploration and deposit
appraisal.
Investment in Saskatchewan mining
and exploration is not surprising. The 2015
Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining
Companies notes that Saskatchewan is the
most attractive jurisdiction for mining
investment in Canada, and fourth out of
112 mining jurisdictions around the world
for mineral potential.
"Saskatchewan gets credit for having a
government with a transparent and pro-
ductive approach to mining policy," said
Kenneth Green, Fraser Institute senior
director of energy and natural resources
and director of the Survey of Mining
Companies. "The province offers a com-
petitive taxation regime, good scientific
support, efficient permitting procedures
and clarity around land claims. That's
what miners look for."
The importance of the mining indus-
try has not gone unrecognized by the
provincial government either. According
SASkATchewAn exploration
and development highlights
by Robert Simpson
Western Potash drilling at the Milestone Project 30 km southeast of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Photo Western Potash Corp.
