President Leo (in the middle) with two Indigenous Miners- Greg and Donald holding in their hands CACERMD’s first Journal and book showcasing the raw materials of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is rich in mineral raw materials including potash, sodium sulphate, salt, kaolin, uranium, copper, coal, diamond, and gold, which are extracted from different locations across the province. Here are some key locations where these minerals are extracted:
- Potash: Potash mining is concentrated in the southern part of Saskatchewan, particularly in the Prairie Evaporite Formation. Major potash mines include those near the towns of Esterhazy, Lanigan, and Rocanville.
- Sodium Sulphate: Sodium sulphate is primarily extracted from natural brine deposits in the Chaplin area of Saskatchewan, located southwest of Moose Jaw.
- Salt: Salt mining occurs in various locations across Saskatchewan, including the Chaplin and Belle Plaine areas. Solution mining and conventional mining methods are employed to extract salt from underground salt formations.
- Kaolin: Kaolin deposits are found in several locations in Saskatchewan, with notable occurrences near the towns of Claybank and Sedley. Kaolin mining is relatively small-scale compared to other minerals.
- Uranium: Uranium mining is concentrated in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan. Key uranium mines include those operated by Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada Inc., located near the towns of Cigar Lake, McArthur River, and Rabbit Lake.
- Copper: While Saskatchewan is not a major copper producer, copper deposits have been identified in the province. Exploration activities for copper are ongoing in various areas, including the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt near the Manitoba border.
- Coal: Coal mining occurs in southeastern Saskatchewan, primarily in the Estevan-Bienfait area. Major coal mines include those operated by Westmoreland Mining LLC and the Boundary Dam Mine operated by SaskPower.
- Diamond: Diamond mining takes place in the Fort à la Corne region of east-central Saskatchewan. The Star Diamond Project, owned by Star Diamond Corporation, is a notable diamond exploration project in this area.
- Gold: Gold exploration and mining activities are scattered throughout Saskatchewan, with some gold deposits identified in the Precambrian Shield region of northern Saskatchewan and in the La Ronge Gold Belt.
These are some of the main locations where minerals are extracted in Saskatchewan, contributing to the province’s economy and resource development.
