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Saskatchewan.
Mining in Saskatchewan centres around two major commodities: potash and uranium. Saskatchewan is the second largest producer of potash in the world and, according to the Saskatchewan Mining Association, the province is the world leader in...
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Saskatchewan's Potash may be Canada's Trump Card
An opinion piece argues that Canada should leverage its dominant position in potash production (30% of global market) as a strategic response to potential U.S. tariffs. The article emphasizes that unlike oil and gas, the U.S. imports over 80% of its potash supply and has limited domestic alternatives, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Opinion: Canada's Railway Strike Exposes the Perils of Privatized Infrastructure for West Coast Resources
An opinion piece examines how Canada's recent railway strike exposed critical vulnerabilities in the country's privatized rail infrastructure, which is essential for transporting West Coast resources including minerals, oil, and gas. The article argues that railways built with public investment but now privately controlled create single-point-of-failure risks for Canada's resource economy.
Western Potash Corp executes Binding Offtake Agreement With ADM
Western Resources Corp.'s subsidiary Western Potash Corp has signed a binding offtake agreement with agricultural giant ADM for 100% of potash production from their Saskatchewan Milestone Phase I plant. The agreement covers 146,000 tonnes per annum and includes FOB mine site delivery to nearby Port Lajord Terminal. Construction continues on schedule with production expected to commence in late 2020.
Azincourt Energy plans Phase Two Drill Program at East Preston Uranium Project
Azincourt Energy announced plans for a Phase Two drill program at its East Preston uranium project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, comprising 2,000-2,500 meters of drilling with a $1.2 million budget for winter 2019-2020. The company has identified multiple high-priority conductor systems with 15+ kilometers of strike length and confirmed prospectivity through initial drilling that showed similar geology to major uranium deposits.
CanAlaska drilling targeting high-grade uranium
CanAlaska Uranium has commenced drilling at the West McArthur uranium project to expand high-grade uranium mineralization discovered by joint venture partner Cameco. Previous drilling intersected up to 5% U3O8 near the unconformity contact, with extensive alteration extending 700 metres above the unconformity. The company believes this represents a potential 'Tier One' discovery similar to nearby world-class McArthur River and Cigar Lake mines.
Azincourt Energy Vtem geophysical survey adds targets to East Preston Uranium Project
Azincourt Energy announced preliminary results from a VTEM geophysical survey at its East Preston Uranium Project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, identifying an additional 7.5 to 10 km of prospective conductive trends. The survey adds to an already robust target inventory for uranium exploration, with drilling having commenced in March 2019.
Fertilizer industry concerned over lack of consultation on Saskatchewan Government’s potash tax hit
Fertilizer Canada has strongly criticized the Saskatchewan government's surprise announcement of a $117 million tax increase on potash companies, citing lack of consultation and concerns over global competitiveness. The industry association warns that Saskatchewan potash production will now face the highest royalty and tax rates globally, creating uncertainty for future investments in the province.
Azincourt Energy commences phase one drilling At East Preston Uranium Project, Saskatchewan
Azincourt Energy has commenced phase one drilling at its East Preston uranium project in Saskatchewan's western Athabasca Basin, targeting multiple conductive anomalies with potential for basement-hosted uranium deposits. The company also closed a $1.22 million private placement to fund the exploration program.
IsoEnergy continues to intersect strong pitchblende uranium mineralization at Hurricane Discovery
IsoEnergy completed its winter drilling campaign at the Hurricane zone discovery on its Larocque East Property in Saskatchewan, intersecting strong uranium mineralization across a minimum 150m strike length. The final two drill holes confirmed high-grade pitchblende mineralization with significant radioactivity readings, expanding the known deposit dimensions to over 150m long by 38m wide and up to 8.5m thick.
Skyharbour option partner Orano Canada commences winter diamond drill program at Preston Uranium
Orano Canada has commenced a 3,600 metre winter diamond drilling program at Skyharbour's Preston Uranium Project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The program includes 11-15 drill holes targeting JL and FSA grids, with a planned CAD $2.2 million budget for 2019 exploration activities. Under their option agreement, Orano can earn up to 70% interest in the project through $8 million in total consideration over six years.
UEX announces West Bear Winter Program
UEX Corporation announced a $4.25 million winter drill program for 2019 targeting its West Bear Cobalt-Nickel Deposit in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The program will consist of approximately 17,000 meters of drilling to extend high-grade cobalt mineralization and potentially advance feasibility studies by late 2019.
Skyharbour option partner Orano Canada announces 2019 exploration budget of $2.2 million
Orano Canada announced a $2.2 million exploration and diamond drilling program for 2019 at Skyharbour's Preston Uranium Project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The program includes 15-20 drill holes totaling 4,850 metres at the JL and FSA targets, plus ground electromagnetic surveys at Canoe Lake. This is part of Orano's option to earn up to 70% interest in the project through $8 million in total spending over six years.
A renewable triple: Canada’s first large-scale wind-solar-storage combo
The Saskatchewan Research Council has completed Phase 2 of the Cowessess Renewable Energy Storage Facility, adding 1,134 solar panels to create Canada's first large-scale hybrid wind-solar-storage project. The facility combines an 800-kW wind turbine with solar panels and a 400-kW/744-kWh lithium-ion battery system to address grid stability challenges. SRC will monitor the system's performance over the next year as a research laboratory for renewable energy integration.
UEX files technical report for the West Bear Co-Ni deposit
UEX Corporation filed a technical report supporting its maiden resource estimate for the West Bear Cobalt-Nickel Deposit. The deposit contains 390,000 tonnes grading 0.37% cobalt and 0.22% nickel, equivalent to 3.17 million pounds of cobalt and 1.93 million pounds of nickel. The high-grade deposit is located in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin with excellent infrastructure access.
Mr. Sam Farris succeeds Dr. Ulrich Lamp as President of K+S Potash Canada
K+S Potash Canada announced that Sam Farris has succeeded Dr. Ulrich Lamp as President effective July 1, 2018, following Lamp's retirement. Farris will continue as General Manager of the Bethune mine while taking on broader presidential responsibilities. The announcement honors Lamp's 31-year career with K+S, including his leadership in constructing the Bethune mine, Saskatchewan's first new solution potash mine in nearly 50 years.
Mining for heat: Saskatchewan’s geothermal project
DEEP Geothermal is developing Saskatchewan's first geothermal power project near Estevan, targeting a hot sedimentary aquifer more than 3,000 metres deep. The company has a Power Purchase Agreement with SaskPower signed in May 2017 and aims to build up to 200 megawatts of geothermal capacity. This represents Canada's first geothermal power generation facility and supports Saskatchewan's goal of 50% renewables by 2030.
SIMSA connects buyers and sellers
SIMSA, representing 160 Saskatchewan companies supplying mining and energy sectors, has grown membership 120% in 14 months through successful roundtable events connecting local suppliers with major buyers like PotashCorp. The organization focuses on keeping resource sector spending within the province through strategic networking and educational opportunities.
Vandals are mere rocks in the road for Saskatchewan entrepreneur
A 13-year-old entrepreneur in Radisson, Saskatchewan overcame vandalism and theft at his family's mineral museum, with the incident unexpectedly generating international support and interest. Judah Tyreman operates the Sesula Mineral and Gem Museum and plans to expand with educational displays about Saskatchewan mining while continuing to collect and teach about geology.
IsoEnergy begins drilling program to extend high grade uranium at the Geiger property
IsoEnergy has launched a 2,800-metre drilling program at its Geiger uranium property in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin, targeting extensions of high-grade basement-hosted mineralization. Previous drilling intersected 2.74% U3O8 over 1.2 metres, with the new program focusing on two target areas around known mineralization to determine orientation and morphology of the uranium systems.
K+S Potash Canada honoured to be named one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers
K+S Potash Canada has been named one of Saskatchewan's Top Employers for the fifth consecutive year, following its recognition as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2018. The company's Bethune mine began commercial operations in 2017, marking the first new solution potash mine in Saskatchewan in nearly 50 years.
Azincourt Energy signs Definitive Agreement to acquire five lithium projects in Manitoba
Azincourt Energy signed a definitive agreement to acquire up to 100% interest in five lithium exploration projects covering 6,000 hectares in Manitoba's Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. The projects include drill-ready targets with historical estimates and recent sampling showing lithium grades up to 4.33% Li2O, positioning the company in Canada's premier lithium district.
Eagle Plains Resources: stakes “Robinson Creek” high-grade gold, copper property in Saskatchewan
Eagle Plains Resources has staked the 1,000-hectare Robinson Creek property in Saskatchewan, targeting high-grade gold and copper mineralization 15km west of Flin Flon. The property covers 8 separate mineral occurrences with encouraging historical exploration results including gold-bearing quartz veins and VMS-style copper-zinc mineralization. The company is seeking joint-venture partners to advance exploration on this 100%-owned, royalty-free property.
Senator Minerals to conduct helicopter supported site visits of projects
Senator Minerals announced plans for helicopter-supported site visits to its Carter Lake and Patterson Northeast uranium projects in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin in mid-August 2017. The purpose is to evaluate infrastructure and access while precisely locating geological formations to guide summer 2017 exploration activities.
Educational mining and energy programs offered in Western Canada
Western Canadian educational institutions are expanding mining and energy programs to replace an aging workforce and meet evolving industry demands. Ten programs are highlighted across universities and colleges, ranging from traditional mining engineering degrees to specialized training in crane operation, haul truck driving, and communications. These institutions are aligning curriculum with current industry standards and incorporating hands-on training with innovative technology.