Saskatoon – Western Economic Diversification Canada
The mining industry in Saskatchewan will benefit from funding announced today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs Consular) and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
With an investment of $915,000, the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) will develop a Mining Materials Research Centre (MMRC) that focuses on corrosion issues in potash and uranium mining. The MMRC will help expand and enhance Saskatchewan’s mining and minerals industry, increase productivity, and reduce operational and maintenance costs in the mining resource sector. The MMRC will engage local supply and service companies in technology development and commercialization via the Saskatchewan Industrial & Mining Suppliers Association Inc. (SIMSA).
SIMSA will be able to further assist local industrial companies that supply sectors such as mining, oil and gas, and other industries thanks to an additional investment of $185,000, from the Government of Canada. With this investment, SIMSA will increase the awareness of Saskatchewan small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their connections within the mining industry, both nationally and internationally.
These investments will increase Saskatchewan’s competitiveness and assist in the growth of SMEs involved in manufacturing for the mining industry, as well as increase their participation in both local and global supply chains – creating jobs and strengthening economic growth.
Quick Facts
- The Province of Saskatchewan hosts almost half of the globe’s potash reserves and is the largest potash producer in the world, accounting for approximately 30% of total production.
- The Province also hosts the richest uranium ore bodies in the world and is one of the largest uranium oxide producers in the world.
- The Saskatchewan mining and minerals industry features leading-edge technology that is developed and manufactured in the province.
- The value of Saskatchewan’s minerals production in 2013 was approximately $7.2 billion, the third highest in Canada.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to support the development of the mining industry here in Saskatchewan. By promoting innovation in the mining industry and increasing the competitiveness of our small and medium sized companies, we will strengthen our economy and create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. ”
– The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs Consular) and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap
“IMII is planting the seeds of a provincial materials research center to support the minerals industry and other industries for many decades to come, through collaboration of University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Canadian Light Source to expand the capacity of research and development and highly qualified personnel training through the funding provided by Agrium, BHP Billiton, Mosaic, Potash Corp and Innovation Saskatchewan. We are very pleased with receiving $915,000 funding from the Government of Canada. This demonstrates the power of collaboration of industry, federal and provincial governments, and postsecondary education institutions and research providers.”
– Engin Ozberk, Executive Director, International Minerals Innovation Institute
“The support from the Government of Canada will help Saskatchewan industrial suppliers continue to expand into national and international markets while broadening their market penetration locally.”
– Alun Richards, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Industrial & Mining Suppliers Association Inc.
