Saskatchewan is a significant player in the Canadian and global mining scene. in 2009, it continued to be the world's largest producer and exporter of potash, and one of the world's leaders in uranium production.
uranium metal production was a bright spot in 2009, with an increase in its production value, up from $954 million to $1.39 billion on the strength of increased volumes (which rose from 8.7 million kg to 10.1 million kg) and higher prices.
Canada supplies about one third of the world's potash. Most of this production comes from
Saskatchewan with a small portion coming from a Potashcorp mine in new Brunswick.
Mining companies operating in Saskatchewan produced 15.6 % of canada's total mineral output in 2009.
Saskatchewan is canada's only producer of uranium accounting for 20 per cent of world production in 2009, a decrease from 28 per cent in 2005.
the global recession of 2008/09 affected Saskatchewan's and canada's mineral production in 2009. the total value of minerals produced in canada dropped to $32.2 billion, a 31.5 per cent decrease from $47.0 billion in 2008.
in 2008 Saskatchewan was Canada's #1 mineral producing jurisdiction with mineral production valued at a record $9.7 billion.
Saskatchewan has the largest high grade reserves in the world for both potash and uranium.
Saskatchewan coal, burned in thermal plants at Estevan and Coronach, accounts for about 60% the province's base load capacity electrical power generation.
Saskatchewan has over 25 operating mines.
Saskatchewan mineral production was also affected by the recession. in 2009, Saskatchewan mineral production was valued at $5 billion, down from the record $9.7 billion achieved in 2008.
the primary reduction was related to the amount and value of potash production. in 2009, potash prices fell steadily from near US$900/t to $400/t. Many potash mines reduced production in 2009; the quantity produced declined from 10.4 Mt to 4.3 Mt while the value dropped from $8 billion to $3.4 billion. in spite of the temporary closures, the potash industry in Saskatchewan continued to make multi-billion dollar investments in their expansion operations.
Potash was Canada's second leading mineral by value of output in 2009 at $3.4 billion.
Saskatchewan mines produce potash, uranium, coal, gold, salt, meta-kaolin, silica sand, sodium sulphate, clay and bentonite.
in addition to potash, uranium and coal, Saskatchewan has a wealth of developing mineral resources including diamonds, gold, platinum & palladium, rare earth elements, copper, zinc, nickel, sodium and potassium sulphates and mineralized brines.
the provincial mining industry is recognized as one of the most technologically advanced in the world.
