Overview

Did you know… Saskatchewan has almost two-thirds of the world's recoverable potash reserves and is the world's largest exporter of uranium.

 

Home to world leaders in potash and uranium mining, this sector is a significant contributor to the success of the Saskatoon Region’s economy. 

Saskatchewan has an abundance of many commodities such as:

  • Potash
  • Uranium
  • Gold
  • Diamonds
  • Oil
  • Natural Gas
  • Coal
  • Rare Earth Metals

Check out a natural resource map here.

While potash is the only commodity mined in the Saskatoon Region (there are seven potash mines in the region, companies involved in mining and exploration outside the region choose Saskatoon as their preferred location for many reasons. 

Identified as one of Canada’s “Hub Cities” by the Conference Board of Canada, the Saskatoon Region’s central location makes it a key gateway for the mining industry in central and northern Saskatchewan. Employees can travel by air to northern mines from the Saskatoon International Airport; and Mining Supply and Service companies are in close proximity to local mines, and can transport goods to northern mines through an excellent road system. Another advantage of the Saskatoon Region is its central location in Western Canada: road and rail systems connect the Saskatoon Region to two west coast ocean ports as well as markets in the United States and Mexico.

An additional benefit for mining companies located in the Saskatoon Region is the research cluster at the University of Saskatchewan. Anchored by the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron, many organizations are engaging in cutting edge research, as well as contracting the Structural Sciences Laboratory at the university, in order to gain a better understanding of minerals and improve mining processes.

The head offices of the world’s largest potash and uranium producers, PotashCorp and Cameco, are in Saskatoon. France’s AREVA Resources Canada Inc. is also headquartered in Saskatoon.